Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 is scheduled from February 3rd to 9th, marking the 11th annual event dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for the mental well-being of children and young people across the UK. Initiated by the charity Place2Be in 2015, this week has become a cornerstone in promoting mental health education and resources within schools, families, and communities.  

This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in personal development. By understanding their emotions, strengths, and challenges, children and young people can build resilience and better navigate life’s ups and downs. Place2Be, in collaboration with Here4You and supported by The Walt Disney Company, utilizes characters from Pixar’s “Inside Out” and its sequel to help convey these concepts in an engaging manner.  

The Importance of Children’s Mental Health 

Recent statistics highlight the pressing need for focused attention on children’s mental health. In Scotland, the number of pupils identified with additional support needs reached a record high of 259,036 in 2023. Alarmingly, approximately 20% of referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are rejected, indicating significant gaps in the support system.  

These figures underscore the critical importance of initiatives like Children’s Mental Health Week, which aim to bridge these gaps by providing resources, raising awareness, and advocating for better mental health services for young people. 

How Schools Can Participate 

Schools play a pivotal role in supporting the mental health of their pupils. During Children’s Mental Health Week, schools are encouraged to engage in activities that promote self-awareness and personal growth. Place2Be offers a variety of free resources tailored for educational settings, including assembly guides, lesson plans, and creative activities. These materials are designed to help students explore their emotions and develop coping strategies in a supportive environment.  

Netsweeper’s onGuard+ can support schools in their efforts by providing technology that ensures a safer and more positive online environment for students. With advanced web filtering and monitoring solutions, Netsweeper helps schools protect pupils from harmful online content that could negatively impact their mental health, such as cyberbullying, self-harm content, and other digital risks. By fostering a safer digital space, educators can confidently integrate online resources into their lesson plans, ensuring pupils have access to supportive and educational content while minimizing exposure to potential online threats. 

Encouraging Healthy Digital Habits 

While protective measures are essential, fostering healthy digital habits is equally important in ensuring that technology supports, rather than harms, children’s mental health. Encouraging a balanced approach to screen time, promoting digital literacy, and teaching children how to engage positively online can help mitigate the negative effects of excessive internet use. Setting clear boundaries, such as designated screen-free hours, can encourage young people to prioritize real-world interactions and self-care activities. 

Parents, educators, and caregivers can also empower children to critically evaluate online content by teaching them how to identify misinformation, recognize manipulative digital practices, and understand the impact of social media on self-esteem. By incorporating digital wellness education into school curricula and family discussions, we can equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world in a way that enhances their mental well-being. 

The Broader Impact of Children’s Mental Health Week 

Children’s Mental Health Week serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging society to prioritize the mental well-being of young people. By participating in this week, individuals and organizations contribute to a larger movement that seeks to destigmatize mental health issues and promote a culture of understanding and support. 

The impact extends beyond schools, influencing policy decisions and increasing investment in mental health programs. In 2023, the UK government allocated £2.3 billion to expand mental health services, yet demand continues to outpace support, with one in six children aged 5-16 experiencing a probable mental health disorder. Events like this week highlight the need for continued investment and action. 

Building a Brighter Future 

As Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 unfolds, it’s crucial for all sectors of society to come together in support of our young people’s mental health. Whether through school programs, family activities, or community initiatives, each effort contributes to a foundation of support that can have lasting positive effects on children’s lives. 

By embracing the theme “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” we encourage children to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the mental health and well-being of the next generation.