Children’s mental health must be included in the UK Government’s investigation into the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chief psychiatrist said.
Dr. Adrian James, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said that not all children can recover from the effects of the last two years.
It happens after campaign participants request another COVID-19 survey for children they say are “disproportionately burdened” more than any other group.
The UK COVID-19 Investigation Delegation Draft, published March 15, expects the Cabinet Office to consider investigations in terms of government response to pandemics, including readiness, resilience, and decision-making. Listed a wide range of fields. Use of processes, blockades and other “non-pharmaceutical” interventions, government spending, and “restriction of attendance at educational locations”.
However, these terms did not explicitly mention the words “children,” “children,” or “mental health.”
Public consultation on the draft terms of reference is open until 11:59 pm on April 2.
Tuesday James said Telegraph He believes that the child’s mental health must be included in every study of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. Many children will recover from this experience, but some will experience long-term mental health problems.” Said James.
“A study of the COVID-19 pandemic needs to investigate the impact on the mental health of children and adolescents and ensure that their voices are heard as part of the process,” he added.
Ann Analysis of NHS data According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, published March 15, UK mental health services received a record 4.3 million referrals in 2021, including 1,025,000 referrals under the age of 18. it was done.
Analysis showed that approximately 424,963 children were in contact with mental health services in December 2021, compared to 367,403 in December 2019.
Regarding the analysis, James said staff in this sector were “working hard” and when the country reached an agreement, it would “fully fund mental health services backed by a long-term workforce plan” to the government. Requested to devise a “plan”. It has had the greatest impact on mental health for generations. “
A representative agency of psychiatrists on Tuesday released another study across the UK, with 2,247 suggesting that just under one in three adults in the UK’s mental health has deteriorated over the past two years. increase.
Student representatives also criticized the draft research mandate for the lack of focus on college students. Thirty-six percent of them reported deterioration in mental health and well-being since the start of the fall semester 2021. National statistics.
The government said the experience of children and students was within the scope of the investigation.
“Following the publication of the proposed COVID inquiry terms, there is now a duration of public involvement and consultation led by Baroness Hallett, notifying further changes to the terms before they are finalized,” a spokesman said. Stated.
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus and is commonly known as the novel coronavirus.