Support for children suffering from mental health problems during the covid-19 pandemic

That this House recognises the devastating impact that school closures are having upon the mental health of young people across the country; understands that anxiety, depression and self-harm among children has risen; notes that a recent Prince’s Trust survey found that one in four young people have found themselves unable to cope with life during the pandemic; further notes that Dr Karen Street, an Officer for Mental Health at the RSPCH wrote about the harrowing 400 per cent increase in eating disorders among young people caused by school closures and social isolation; understands that mental health is inextricably linked to children’s ability to learn and their attainment outcomes; and calls upon the Government to take further steps to support children who are suffering from mental health problems during the pandemic.