New evidence reveals a continuing rise in mental health difficulties among children and young people in Wales, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention, prevention, and cross-sector collaboration.
The largest increases have been seen in emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression, with trends starting long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The findings are published in a Joint Statement on Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing by Public Health Wales, in collaboration with experts across the UK and young people from the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health at Cardiff University.
Key data shows that rates of diagnosable mental health conditions have doubled over the past two decades, rising from one in ten in 2004 to one in five in 2023.
The report identifies complex causes behind these increases, including family poverty and social inequality, academic pressure, parental mental health difficulties, and the influence of digital technology
It also emphasises the importance of protective factors such as community connection, trusted relationships, creativity, and physical activity in supporting mental wellbeing.
The statement reinforces the need to focus on children’s wellbeing from the earliest years, ensuring families receive the right support and young people grow up in environments that protect emotional resilience.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales 2025–2035 sets out a vision for a system prioritising prevention and early intervention, tackling root causes of poor mental health and ensuring equity of access and outcomes.
Public Health Wales’ Lead Consultant in Mental Wellbeing, Emily van de Venter, said:
“Although the level of need is concerning, I have lots of hope in our ability to improve outcomes for children and young people in Wales. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales puts an important focus on improving timely access to mental health services and support as well as improving the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
“We need to help children and young people to feel hopeful about the future, to feel connected to and accepted in their communities and to be able to access support as early as possible when they are struggling.”
Public Health Wales is working with Welsh Government, NHS partners, and wider organisations to deliver the vision, including:
- Developing a detailed report on mental health needs of babies, children, and young people
- Supporting schools to implement Whole School Approaches to wellbeing
- Helping organisations adopt the Trauma Informed Wales Framework
- Reducing child poverty and improving access to arts and nature-based wellbeing activities
Rocío Cifuentes MBE, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, added:
"As the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, I endorse this evidence-based statement, which also reflects themes heard through our engagement with children, young people and professionals.”
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