Mental Health in Young People Pre COVID
1 in 9
1 in 6
35%
4%
children aged 5-19 had a probable mental health disorder in 2017
children aged 5-19 had a probable mental health disorder in 2020
in 2019/20 increase in referrals to children’s mental health services
increase in the number of children receiving support from the NHS in 2019/20
The children’s commissioner report 28th January 2021 - The state of children’s mental health services 2020/21 childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/mental-health-services-2020-21
Mental Health in Young People Pre COVID A large-scale survey commissioned by the NHS found that the prevalence of clinically significant mental health conditions amongst children was 50% higher than in the previous large-scale clinical survey, conducted three years earlier
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One in six children (16%) of children aged 5 to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health disorder, increasing from one in nine (10.8%) in 2017. The increase was evident in both boys and girls
The children’s commissioner report 28th January 2021 - The state of children’s mental health services 2020/21 childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/mental-health-services-2020-21
Mental Health in Young People Pre COVID
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My sleeping pattern since lockdown has been off – didn’t go to sleep until 3am this morning and I had college at 9 am, that’s not really helped. It’s all different, I don’t like change.
Family - Haven't seen my Mum and sister since last year, Covid hasn't helped this and meant that we can't go out for day trips. Covid [is] stressful, everyone is worried about it which is stressing me out.
– Ella, 11, Merseyside
– Shannon, 17, South West
– Boy, 17, online consultation response
Over lockdown, I feel like I’ve changed, I feel like a different person. Everything has changed.
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The children’s commissioner report 28th January 2021 - The state of children’s mental health services 2020/21 childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/mental-health-services-2020-21
Supporting the National Agenda Providing digital mental health support, accessible at home but ideally provided through schools, is probably the quickest way to expand mental health provision in England, and possibly the cheapest. This would mean more children could be reached and would relieve pressure on existing NHS services. The Children’s Commissioner urges the Government to do this now.
The children’s commissioner report 28th January 2021 - The state of children’s mental health services 2020/21 childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/mental-health-services-2020-21
Supporting the National Agenda It’s not just mental health issues that are a cause for concern “during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic […] the closure of schools resulted in decreased organised physical activity, increase in sedentary lifestyle and screen time with the possibility of stressinduced indulgence in high calorie dense and sugary foods, resulting in higher susceptibility to weight gain.’
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7644278
The Digital Health Opportunity We live in a digital world and none are more digitally savvy than our young people.
Over 90% of under 16’s in the UK own a mobile; and their relationship with this device is more an extension of who they are than just a phone.
There was a need for a model that embedded a pro-active approach to looking after your own health from an early age.
Digital Health solutions are increasingly recognised as being a major aid to managing and improving population health.
There was an unmet need to develop different models of healthcare delivery for a new digitally active generation; (e.g., Pokemon Go – gamified tech offered a different and more accessible route into tackling areas of concern with children’s health)
The evidence for the benefits of health Apps is growing fast and the economic benefits in terms of demand reduction across health care systems are becoming increasingly clear.
Harnessing the opportunity COVID and beyond Digital Healthy Schools was developed to empower and enable the next generation to proactively manage their own health and wellbeing. The programme •
provides CYP with options to support their own care and well-being
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provides remote and (potentially) anonymous tools to support their mental well-being
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provides options for them to supplement their traditional care delivery
Also, our young people are an important part of the digital activation puzzle. Educating young people about digital health has many benefits •
Reducing need for onward referrals
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Reducing future demands on health services
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Activating communities
So what is Digital Healthy Schools? Digital Healthy Schools is an educational programme providing the learning resources and tools that young people need to responsibly navigate and use the evergrowing field of health-app technology. Throughout the programme, which integrates with the PSHE curriculum, the students interact with many activities, videos and group exercises designed to teach them valuable skills relating to the use of health Apps. They are also given access to the Digital Healthy Schools portal, enabling them, their parents and teachers to find safe, age-appropriate and high-quality Apps, learn more about the sector, and recommend Apps to their loved ones.
The Digital Healthy Schools Portal
School Branded “Digital Healthy Schools” Portal Each school receives their own portal which provides a trusted space for students to search for digital health solutions
Teaching resources linked to PHSE and pastoral care Access to lesson plans, teaching resources, videos, student work books, news, updates and campaign support
Digital Activation Data Understand the types of Apps that are being viewed, recommended and downloaded and your students including views on their impact and effectiveness
Students careers Zone Support your students to consider new roles and careers by bringing together health and technology
Support Campaigns Promote your school’s platform to your students and their families using a wide array of digital and none digital assets
Students Recommending Apps Activating the community
Over 60% of people receiving a student recommendation will respond positively and download
Over 70% of the students consider that digital health can offer value to them or their families health
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My nan passed away recently so I recommended an anxiety/stress app for my grandad – Touchpoint follow-up Holland Park Primary School: 7th June
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My granddad has Parkinson's so I recommended a Parkinson's app to help him with his condition – Touchpoint follow-up Holland Park Primary School: 7th June
Videos
Introduction to the Digital Healthy Schools Programme
Hear from some students who have been through the programme
Advert for the Digital Healthy Schools programme
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Get in touch info@digitalhealthyschools.co.uk