Beyond Social Media and Smartphones: Factors Affecting Youth Mental Health

...with Prof. Neil Humphrey

In this episode Professor Neil Humphrey from the University of Manchester, discusses trends in youth mental health, the rise in internalising issues like anxiety, and the impact of societal changes such as sleep hygiene and service cuts. He critiques current research methods, advocates for evidence-based, cost-effective school interventions, and emphasizes the importance of promoting well-being through arts, physical activity, and sleep. The episode offers practical insights for teachers and highlights the need for nuanced, whole-community approaches.

Key points: Current state of child and adolescent mental health

• Decline in young people's mental health over the past 30 years

• Distinction between internalising (anxiety, depression) and externalising (behavioural issues) problems

• Societal factors influencing mental health, including sleep hygiene and funding cuts to services

• Critique of current mental health measurement tools and the need for updated assessments

• Discussion on the effectiveness of universal mental health interventions in schools

• Importance of promoting overall well-being and positive mental health, not just addressing difficulties

• Role of creative arts and physical activity in enhancing mental health

• Need for evidence-based approaches in school mental health support

• Challenges faced by teachers in addressing mental health within the educational system

Useful links:

Prof Neil Humphrey:https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/neil.humphrey

Education for Wellbeing In conjunction with Anna Freud: https://www.annafreud.org/research/current-research-projects/education-for-wellbeing/

Youth Futures Foundation: Understanding Drivers of recent trends in young people’s mental health:  https://youthfuturesfoundation.org/publication/report-understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health/

Podcast with Prof Jess Deighton: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/navigating-mental-health-issues-in-schools-strategies-for-teachers-and-students-with-prof-jess-deighton