ATL comment on The Good Childhood Report 2015

“It comes as no surprise that our young people and children are unhappy, with all the pressures placed upon them. We know that young people are pressured to look a certain way, to have the latest possessions, to keep up an image on social media and to perform well in endless exams. Many of our children are suffering as a result of racial, sexist and homophobic bullying, poverty, poor living conditions and malicious cyber-bullying, which is taking a dreadful toll on their mental health.

“At a time when schools desperately need help to tackle these issues and support young people, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Local Authority support and pastoral care staff have been cut to the bone. ATL warns the Government that it cannot play fast and loose with young people’s health in this way.”