Why Every Child Deserves Mental Health Care
Abby Cheng
I grew up as a relatively emotionally constipated child, who struggled with managing emotions. This affected my friendships as I was quite a volatile person. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. Because I am lucky to be given the privilege to, I decided to seek help from a counsellor, and from that day I have learned more about myself than ever. Sure, I still experience problems to this day, but they’re manageable enough as I worked with my counsellor to develop these skills of resilience and independence that I was deprived from before.
But what about the children who are currently struggling to manage their emotions, getting in trouble for a temper tantrum when they never understood how to navigate overstimulation? What about the child who can’t speak up in an uncomfortable situation, leading their mental health to plummet as others walk over them? There are countless children around the world who would benefit from understanding their own mental health, yet they lack the resources, support systems, or opportunities to seek professional help. These children are often left to face their challenges alone, which can lead to long-term consequences for their emotional well-being and future development.
Mental health is just as, if not more important than physical health, yet millions of children are denied the access needed to thrive. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recognises mental health as an integral and international right for children, and this article will explain the importance of this right, the barriers of access and how society as a whole can promote and protect it.
In reference to Article 24 and Article 27 of the UNCRC, children must have the right to the highest reachable standard of health as well as the correct resources needed that allows for the complete physical, emotional and mental development of a child. Children also have the right to receive information that promotes good mental health (Article 17), and these rights should also be reaffirmed without any discrimination (Article 2).
Psychologist Cassi Clausen states that “There are no standard children”, and that is true, therefore bringing to the point of the importance of supporting a child’s wellbeing and development. A child’s mental health shapes their ability to learn and form relationships, the ability to self regulate and function in society. Neglecting this right could lead to long term mental consequences, possibly harm to one’s self or others.
However, many children still suffer from poor mental health, whether it’s due to factors such as insufficient funding, bullying, stigma, or a lack of access to mental health resources and care systems. This is serious as more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 are estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally, as well as almost 46,000 adolescents die from suicide each year. Such numbers have also skyrocketed ever since the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In this case, societies must ensure that a child’s right to mental health is upheld.
Only around 1% of the NHS budget in England is spent on children’s mental health, and that needs to change. Governments must allocate funding adequately to ensure the quality and accessibility of children's mental health programs.
In addition, the UN Committee has also recommended addressing and reducing the long waiting times for accessing mental health services to ensure that each child is taken care of, along with having enough professionals to meet their needs.
It is also important to fund specialist mental health services that are tailored to the needs of the minorities such as LGBTQ+ children, migrant children, children with disabilities and young carers.
Investing in intervention and prevention methods are also crucial, as this addresses the underlying causes of poor mental health, eating disorders and other self-harming behaviours among children.
Now, you may be thinking: Wow, this is eyeopening, but what can I do? Well, firstly it is important for children to be educated on their mental health rights. Be a safe space to your little sibling, cousin, or any child who confides in you by allowing for open communication about their own feelings and emotions. In addition, advocacy exists! Your words matter, and one voice speaking out on the rights of children’s mental health can influence more than you know. Start petitions, make informative posts. You can slowly break the stigma that surrounds this topic. The children would love that.
Mental health isn't a privilege, it’s a fundamental right that all children should have access to. Together, we can work towards a world where children's rights to mental health are protected and accessible, putting smiles on many faces.
Bibliography:
Children’s rights in the new normal 2. mental ... (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org.uk/child-friendly-cities/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Mental-health_UNICEF-UK-New-Normal-series.pdf
A child’s right to mental health. CYPMHC. (2023, October 10). https://cypmhc.org.uk/a-childs-right-to-mental-health/#:~:text=The%20UNCRC%20includes%20a%20number,Children’s%20mental%20health%20in%20England
State of the world’s children, caring for children’s Mental Health. State of the World’s Children, Caring for Children’s Mental Health | Latest News | News | Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF | For every child. (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org.hk
