Mental Health Awareness Week 2026: Supporting the Mental Health of Teachers, Parents and Children
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Over the last decade, concerns surrounding children’s mental health in the UK have increased dramatically, with the most significant rise occurring after 2017 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017, around one in nine children aged 6–16 in England were identified as having a probable mental health disorder, but by 2023 this figure had risen to one in five children. This represents an increase of approximately 75% in just six years. NHS data also shows a sharp rise in the number of young people accessing mental health services, with contacts to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services nearly doubling between 2019 and 2023. Hospital admissions related to children’s mental health have also increased significantly, rising by around 65% over the past decade. Experts believe the growing crisis has been influenced by a combination of factors including social media pressures, increased academic expectations, family financial stress, reduced access to early intervention services, and the lasting emotional impact of the pandemic and lockdowns. There has also been a notable increase in eating disorders, anxiety and self-harm among teenagers, particularly among adolescent girls. While greater awareness and improved diagnosis may partly explain the rise in recorded cases, health professionals continue to warn that children and young people are facing unprecedented emotional pressures that require urgent support from schools, families, communities and mental health services.
Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation, takes place from 11–17 May 2026. This year’s theme is “Action” — a reminder that awareness alone is not enough. Real change happens when schools, families and communities actively support mental wellbeing every day.
For teachers and parents, the conversation around mental health has never been more important. Rising stress levels, increasing pressures on schools, digital overload, financial uncertainty and growing concerns about children’s emotional wellbeing are affecting entire communities.
Why Mental Health Matters More Than Ever
Recent UK research highlights the scale of the challenge. Around one in five UK adults experiences a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. A 2026 survey found that 75% of teachers regularly prioritise pupils’ emotional wellbeing over curriculum demands due to gaps in mental health support services. Nearly half of primary teachers and 78% of secondary teachers report seeing pupils showing signs of eating disorders or severe anxiety. Studies referenced during Youth Mental Health campaigns suggest that one in five young people aged 8–25 now lives with a diagnosable mental health condition. In addition, more than 90% of school leaders say challenging interactions with parents have negatively affected staff wellbeing.
These figures are not simply statistics. They represent exhausted teachers, overwhelmed parents and children struggling silently.
During this week Joe Wicks has teamed up with Katie Harrison at Picture news to promote movement to support wellbeing. You can listen to their podcast below:
He has also teamed up with the BBC to create a new website to support children, families and staff with their wellbeing and mental health. “A new website is the central hub of the BBC’s mental health and wellbeing content, and includes tips to get you through the day, music and meditation to help you relax and advice for supporting yourself and others.
This year, one of the key themes of the season is focused on physical activity and movement, and how it can help with your mental health. The season is being supported by fitness coach Joe Wicks, who presented the acclaimed documentary about his parents' mental health issues, Joe Wicks: Facing my Childhood. He has recorded two special mood-boosting workouts for when you are feeling overwhelmed, alongside bespoke video content, a Mindful Mix for BBC Sounds and a specially curated Wellbeing Watchlist on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Homepage.
Joe Wicks says: “I’m really proud to be involved in the BBC’s Mental Wellbeing season because it’s something I’m so passionate about. To take care of your mental health, you’ve got to take care of your physical health, they are so interlinked. I’d like to say to anyone who is struggling, I really hope that they will lean on this season and look out for the content. Some of the conversations that are had could really help you.”
The Pressure on Teachers
Teachers face increasing pressure when supporting children with mental health challenges, often balancing the roles of educator, mentor and emotional support provider all at once. Many teachers are expected to recognise signs of anxiety, depression, trauma or behavioural difficulties while still managing large classrooms, academic targets and administrative responsibilities. Limited resources, lack of specialist training and growing emotional demands can leave teachers feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. In many cases, they are the first adults to notice when a child is struggling, which places a heavy responsibility on them to respond appropriately and provide support. Despite their dedication, many teachers feel they need more mental health training, professional support and access to school counsellors to effectively help students while also protecting their own wellbeing.
Teaching has always been emotionally demanding, but post-pandemic pressures have intensified workload, behavioural challenges and emotional burnout. Teachers are increasingly expected to act not only as educators, but also as emotional support workers, behaviour specialists, safeguarding professionals and crisis managers. At the same time, many schools face limited resources and long waiting times for external mental health services.
The emotional toll on education staff can lead to chronic stress, sleep difficulties, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and, in many cases, teachers leaving the profession altogether. Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity for schools to recognise that staff wellbeing directly impacts pupil wellbeing. A mentally healthy school culture starts with supporting the adults within it.
The Hidden Struggles Parents Face
Parents and carers are also under immense pressure. Balancing work, finances, social expectations and parenting responsibilities can create significant emotional strain. Many parents worry constantly about academic pressure on children, social media and online safety, bullying, school attendance, neurodiversity support and emotional resilience.
When children struggle emotionally, parents often experience guilt, anxiety or helplessness themselves. One of the most powerful things parents can do is create safe spaces for open conversations. Children do not need perfect parents — they need emotionally available adults who listen without judgement.
Supporting Children’s Mental Health
Children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. A child’s emotional wellbeing affects how they think, learn, build relationships and handle challenges in life. Yet, mental health struggles in children are often misunderstood, overlooked or dismissed as “just a phase.” Raising awareness can help parents, teachers and communities recognise the signs early and provide the support children need to thrive.
Mental health refers to a child’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It influences how children express feelings, cope with stress and interact with others. Just like adults, children can experience anxiety, depression, trauma and behavioural disorders. However, children may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Instead, their emotions often appear through changes in behaviour, mood, sleep, eating habits or school performance.
Children and young people thrive when they feel safe, heard, accepted, connected and supported. The 2026 theme for Children’s Mental Health Week, “This is My Place,” focused on belonging and emotional safety in schools, homes and communities.
Simple daily actions can make a meaningful difference. Checking in emotionally after school, encouraging screen-free time, prioritising sleep and routine, spending time outdoors, encouraging creativity and play, praising effort rather than perfection and modelling healthy coping strategies all help children feel emotionally secure. Children often communicate distress through behaviour rather than words, so changes in mood, withdrawal, anger, disrupted sleep or avoidance may all indicate emotional struggles.
Practical Mental Health Advice for Teachers and Parents
Talking openly about mental health helps reduce stigma and encourages emotional honesty. Children learn emotional literacy from the adults around them, and simple questions such as “How are you really feeling today?” or “What’s been the hardest part of your week?” can open important conversations.
It is also important for both teachers and parents to prioritise rest and boundaries. Burnout often develops gradually, and many adults feel guilty for taking time to rest. Healthy boundaries might include limiting after-hours emails, scheduling screen breaks, protecting family time and recognising when responsibilities have become overwhelming.
Connection matters more than perfection. Research consistently shows that feeling connected and supported improves resilience and emotional wellbeing. Strong relationships with trusted adults help children feel safer and more confident during difficult times.
Physical activity can also play a major role in mental wellbeing. Exercise is strongly linked to improved mood, lower stress and better sleep. Even short daily walks, stretching or outdoor activities can help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety for both children and adults.
Finally, persistent emotional distress should never be ignored. Professional support may come from GPs, school wellbeing teams, counsellors, mental health charities or NHS talking therapies. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.
Final Thoughts
Mental Health Awareness Week is not just about posters, assemblies or social media campaigns. This year’s theme — “Action” — reminds us that meaningful support comes from everyday behaviours, conversations and compassion.
Teachers cannot pour from empty cups. Parents cannot carry every burden alone. Children cannot thrive without emotionally healthy environments around them.
By working together — schools, families and communities — we can create spaces where mental health is prioritised, stigma is reduced and everyone feels supported enough to ask for help when they need it.
Links and websites:
Official Campaign Information
Support for Parents and Young People
Support for Teachers and School Staff
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