Understanding the increase in children’s mental health referrals

What are the possible reasons for the increase?

Several factors may be contributing to the rise in referrals. Some of the most commonly discussed include:

Heightened awareness

With increased recognition of the impacts of childhood mental health challenges, more children and young people are being referred for support. The NSPCC reports that over half of all Childline counselling sessions in 2024/25 related to mental or emotional health and wellbeing.

Reduced stigma

Reducing stigma around children’s mental health is vital for breaking barriers and encouraging positive conversation. More open conversation can lead more families to ask for help, but the support they are referred to may involve a wait for treatment.

Academic stress

School can also be a source of worry. The NHS says that many children feel anxious before tests and exams, and that at school children may feel anxious about things like school work, their teachers, bullying or being lonely.

Issues like these can become overwhelming, which may lead children to seek support and so increase referrals to mental health services. School is where children learn, build relationships and work towards their future, so pressures there may be one of the factors behind rising demand.

Social media influence

Social media can have positive effects for children and young people. It allows them to access relevant information and maintain relationships despite distance.

However, it also has a darker side. Action for Children says that cyberbullying can happen anywhere and at any time, and that spending more time on social media than intended can lead to a lack of sleep or leave less time for schoolwork and hobbies.

While the evidence isn’t conclusive enough to define the link between social media and poor mental health, it’s certainly a factor to consider.

Family dynamics

The influence of family life on children’s mental health is complex. An ONS analysis of 2017 survey data in England looked at two factors in particular: how well a family functions and how it is structured.

Family functioning

The ONS found that children in families that struggle to function well are more likely to have a mental disorder than those in families that function well. This analysis covered children aged 2 to 16 in England in 2017. The ONS notes that the link may work in both directions, because a child’s mental disorder can also affect family functioning.

Family structure

The same ONS analysis looked at family structure. Children aged 2 to 10 living with step-siblings had around double the rate of mental disorder of those who did not, and school-aged children in lone parent families had higher rates than those living with married parents. The ONS notes that these higher rates could be linked to problems that often follow family break-ups, such as divorce, moving house or changing school.

What is the impact if mental health issues go untreated?

When childhood and teenage mental health issues go untreated, they can significantly hinder development in a range of areas.

Problems may include academic struggle. One long-term study of 1,700 children in Sweden found that behavioural and emotional problems at age three were associated with performing below grade at age 12. The government’s 2015 Future in Mind report also notes that over half of mental health problems in adult life (excluding dementia) start by the age of 14.

The effects can continue into adulthood too. The same report notes that social relationships can be affected, and that mental health problems in childhood are associated with poorer employment prospects.

What solutions are currently being offered?

When addressing these challenges, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Several approaches have been introduced into home and school life, aimed at educating and providing preventative strategies for children and young people who are experiencing, or may experience, mental health challenges.

Mental health support teams in schools

Since 2018 to 2019, the NHS has been introducing mental health support teams in schools and colleges in England. According to Department for Education data published in June 2026, these teams supported around 11,800 schools and colleges in 2025 to 2026, covering 60% of pupils and learners in England. The 2025 Spending Review confirmed that the government is expanding them to 100% of schools in England by December 2029.

Intervention and prevention in schools

Initiatives like these involve either internal or external parties educating children about their emotions, effective ways to manage stress, and delivering actionable coping strategies. The Mental Health Foundation gives anti-stigma campaigns such as Mental Health Awareness Week and teaching school children about emotions and mental ill health as examples of this kind of prevention.

Educating young people to understand and manage their emotions can help prevent mental health problems before they start. This can be especially effective in places they attend regularly, like school.

Empowering parents and caregivers

Supporting parents and caregivers is crucial in helping them address the mental health issues their child may be experiencing. The Mental Health Foundation has resources and programmes for families, including peer support for single parents and young mothers. If you are worried about a child, a GP, teacher or school nurse can put you in touch with your local children and young people’s mental health service.

Offering digital options

While children and young people may have to wait before accessing treatment, for some, digital options can help in the meantime.

The NHS says children and young people’s mental health services can offer self-help support, including online guides and apps, as well as talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Therapy may be offered face to face, online, through an app or on the phone.

The more development and funding these options receive, the more choice families will have while they wait for support or after it has begun.

What is the future of mental health referrals for children and young people?

With referrals still rising, demand for timely and practical support for children and young people is likely to remain high. Greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues may be part of the reason.

With this in mind, there are several short-term solutions, including digital platforms and useful resources, to bridge the wait for support. While government investments may take a while to show their true impact, having resources and awareness programmes in key areas like school helps younger people understand and process their feelings in a safe environment.

Meeting demand over the longer term will need a joined-up effort across education, health, policymakers and technology, so that children and young people can get the support they need in good time.

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