Girls face 'sharp rise in emotional problems' - BBC News
The number of schoolgirls at risk of emotional problems has risen sharply, an English study in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests.
Scientists analysed questionnaires completed by 1,600 pupils aged 11-13 in 2009, comparing them with similar surveys conducted five years later.
They were "surprised" by a 7% spike in girls reporting emotional issues while boys' answers remained fairly stable.
Charities are concerned pressures are particularly affecting girls.
The last comprehensive national survey of children's mental health was undertaken by the Office for National Statistics more than a decade ago.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says there is now an urgent need to conduct another one to gather accurate estimates of mental health problems and plan services accordingly.
The number of schoolgirls at risk of emotional problems has risen sharply, an English study in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests.
Scientists analysed questionnaires completed by 1,600 pupils aged 11-13 in 2009, comparing them with similar surveys conducted five years later.
They were "surprised" by a 7% spike in girls reporting emotional issues while boys' answers remained fairly stable.
Charities are concerned pressures are particularly affecting girls.
The last comprehensive national survey of children's mental health was undertaken by the Office for National Statistics more than a decade ago.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says there is now an urgent need to conduct another one to gather accurate estimates of mental health problems and plan services accordingly.