More support urgently needed
Children are experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harming because of the pandemic, a charity has warned.
NSPCC Scotland has compiled a report based on feedback from its support staff who have kept diaries as they helped clients remotely.
Financial hardship combined with isolation from friends and family had created a significant rise in mental health issues in children.
Data from the diary entries indicated that staff felt lockdown restrictions had a negative impact on the mental health of young people. Staff perceived that many of the children they worked with had struggled with the isolation of being unable to see friends and extended family members during lockdown.
The report stated: “There have been a lot of contacts about suicidal feelings, self-harming, disordered eating and anxiety about coronavirus.”
Most deprived families had struggled since emergency restrictions were brought in, with many struggling to be able to get basic essentials such as nappies.
The report said: “There is consistent reporting of financial struggles, especially in relation to food and utility costs as families report they are spending much more on gas and electricity due to being home constantly.
“Staff working in the community observed that increasing numbers of families were relying on emergency food provision provided by the third sector and were moved by the expression of relief on some parents’ faces when they were provided with essentials, such as nappies for their children.”
The report calls for Scottish government action.
Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Scotland’s policy and public affairs manager, said that long-term, sustained support was required to help families regain stability and financial security. “We know that before Covid-19 there were children in Scotland living in really difficult circumstances,” she said. “The pandemic has only made things worse.
“The Scottish government needs to ensure that all families in the country have enough money to live with dignity, not just in response to the pandemic but in the long term.
“It is also crucial that there is ongoing commitment to providing the right support and treatment for all children and families who need it.”
