Data published by Public Health Scotland has revealed concerning trends in the mental health of children and young people across Scotland, reinforcing the urgent need for improved support, transparency, and investment.
What Are Mental Health Indicators?
These indicators are a set of 70 measures designed to track mental health outcomes and the factors that influence them. They include data on:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Access to services
- Social and environmental factors
- Risk and protective factors
Why This Matters
The indicators help:
- Identify gaps in support and services
- Inform policy and planning
- Support local and national action to improve mental health outcomes
- Ensure that young people’s voices and experiences are reflected in public health efforts
Key Findings from the Latest Data
- Over 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 have experienced mental health problems in the past year, including anxiety and depression.
- Referrals to mental health services have increased by 22%, yet many children still face long waits for support.
- Only 80% of young people are seen within the 18-week target, falling short of national goals.
- Workforce shortages are impacting care, with 15% of mental health roles unfilled and high levels of burnout among professionals.
- Mental health inequalities persist, with children in financially struggling households twice as likely to experience poor mental health.
Rights-Based, Trauma-Informed Support
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, commented:
This data confirms what we hear every day from children, young people and families—and it strongly echoes the voices of our young Health Rights Defenders. At Children’s Health Scotland, we’ve seen a staggering 775% increase in referrals to our programmes where anxiety is referenced as a health condition—rising from just over 4% in 2021–22 to over 35% in 2024–25. Mental health support must be accessible, rights-based, and shaped by those with lived experience. A trauma-informed, child-led approach is essential to ensuring every child gets the care and support they need—not just promises, but real, visible change.
How we’re supporting children and young people with health conditions
At Children’s Health Scotland, we offer practical, rights-based support for children and young people living with health conditions, including those experiencing mental health challenges—no formal diagnosis required.
✅ Self-Management Skills Programmes
Our SMS Programmes help children and young people build confidence, resilience, and coping strategies to manage their health and wellbeing. These programmes are designed to be inclusive, empowering, and fun.
✅ Health Rights Service
Our Health Rights Service provides free, confidential advice and support to help children, young people and families understand and exercise their health rights—especially when navigating complex health or care systems.
🔗 Explore the Mental Health Indicators: Public Health Scotland – Children and Young People Mental Health Indicators
🔗 Learn more about our SMS Programmes: Self-Management Skills Programmes
🔗 Get support from our Health Rights Service: Health Rights Service
