Kiwi Children Face Mental Health Problems

26 November 2007

The importance of good mental health in the development of young New Zealanders is recognised in new measures of child health released today.

The measures, published in “Monitoring the Health of New Zealand Children and Young People: Indicator Handbook”, result from work by the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and the Ministry of Health. They will enable us to systematically track the health and well-being of New Zealand’s children and young people over time.

The inclusion of mental health issues is warmly welcomed by the national telephone counselling service for children and young people, 0800WHATSUP.

“Children are among the most marginalised of all groups in all societies and this is a great step towards building an understanding of the health and well-being of New Zealand’s children and young people and the factors that affect their health status”, said Grant Taylor, Executive Director of 0800WHATSUP.

The measures were developed with extensive collaboration by individuals and organisations from the government and non-profit sectors, academic and applied backgrounds, reflecting the widespread concern for the welfare of children and young people held by a wide range of those working with these age groups.

Among the measures is the frequency of calls to 0800WHATSUP. In 2006 the two most common reasons for calls to the helpline were relationship and school-related issues. Together, these accounted for 10,601 calls. Included in these categories were bullying and problems with peer relationships.

The data published today present cause for concern about life for many children in New Zealand, with some groups clearly struggling to maintain good health.

Although information on child health has been available previously, this new initiative assembles wide-ranging information for the first time. Having all this information in one place will help build a comprehensive picture of where children’s health and development needs are not being sufficiently met.

Mr Taylor said that mental health is a good example of a significant health issue that has previously been under-recognised and under-resourced.

“Thousands of children and young people every year tell 0800WHATSUP that issues such as relationships with family and others their own age are of utmost concern to them, so the inclusion of mental health data for children and young people is particularly welcome”, he continued.

“Mental health issues have major effects on a child’s development, with an impact extending well into adulthood. It is vital to attend to these as well as to physical health needs. We see the Indicators as being a great asset in achieving proper recognition of all child and youth health issues. Investing in child and youth health is a national necessity”, he added.