How will I know if something is wrong?

Approximately 1 in 8 children and young people experience behavioural or emotional problems growing up. For many, these will resolve with time, while others will need professional support.

It can be really difficult as a parent to know if there is something upsetting your child, or whether this is maybe a mood swing or a sign of a hormonal/development change.

There are ways to spot when something is wrong. Some things to look out for are:

Significant changes in behaviour, which are out of character for your child.
Ongoing difficulty sleeping and periods of exhaustion during the day.
Becoming withdrawn and removing themselves from social situations.
No longer wanting to do the things that they would usually like to do.
Self-harm, this may include making small cuts by scratching or using a sharp object, pulling out hair, aggressive outburst of punching and hitting themselves.
Neglecting themselves, no longer wanting to bath or wash, clean their teeth or change their clothes.
A change in eating habits, a reluctance to eat, hiding food or binging and then being unwell or vomiting.
Expressing feelings of worry and concern on a regular basis, not wanting to be separated from a parent or carer, no longer wanting to attend school or leave home very often.

The most important thing to remember is you know your child best. If you're worried, think about if there has been a significant change in their behaviour, that has lasted for an extended period of time. This could be at home, school or college; with others or on their own; or in relation to specific events or changes in their life, including changes caused by the pandemic.

These websites offer additional advice and signposting to services:

Go to this page for a comprehensive list of websites, apps and services which may be able to help you and your child.