Fifth of Isle of Wight children unhappy with mental health

Children's commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, said a fifth of children in England felt this way ­— making it their top concern ­— and praised them as being part of a “survivor generation”.

She polled more than half a million school pupils across the country for her Big Ask survey, between April and May.

On the Isle of Wight, 1,837 children aged between nine and 17 responded to a question on their mental health ­— with 22 per cent saying they were unhappy with it.

Meanwhile, 11 per cent of kids said they were unhappy with their physical health, five per cent with their friendships, and ten per cent with their life overall.

The survey found that a fifth of children across England were unhappy with their mental health, but girls were almost twice as likely as boys to think this ­— 25 per cent versus 13 per cent.

Dame Rachel said this generation were not 'snowflakes', but were "veterans of a global crisis".

“They have seen how colossally frightening life can be, far too young, and have made a lot of sacrifices," said Dame Rachel.

“But they have endured and are emerging stronger and prematurely wise. Bruised, yes, and in many cases seriously vulnerable, but, for the most part, happy, optimistic and determined.

“They are a survivor generation – a sleeves up, pragmatic generation, with civic minded aspirations.”

The report is calling for a comprehensive catch-up package for schools, a faster expansion of mental health support teams, and stronger safeguards for social media platforms.

The survey also asked pupils what they worry about, and on the Isle of Wight, 43 per cent of children said they were worried about having enough money to buy the things they need, and 38 per cent about having a good job or career.

On the whole, pupils in the area are less optimistic than kids elsewhere.

Around 49 per cent said it is likely they will have a better life than their parents, compared to 52 per cent across England.