Survey Reveals Rising Eating Disorders and Mental Health Issues in Schools
Almost half of primary school teachers in England report observing pupils with eating disorders "at least occasionally," with this figure increasing to four in five among secondary school teachers, according to a survey conducted by the UK’s largest education union.
The poll, which included responses from 10,000 teachers in English state schools, also highlighted significant exam anxiety in secondary schools and a reduction in the availability of counsellors to support students.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Pupils
When asked if they had noticed children exhibiting signs of an eating disorder within the past year, 45% of primary school teachers and 78% of secondary school teachers indicated they had observed such signs at least occasionally.
Among these, 4% of primary teachers reported seeing evidence of eating disorders "regularly," compared to 14% of secondary teachers and 20% in special schools and pupil referral units.
Absenteeism and Social Difficulties Linked to Mental Health
The National Education Union (NEU) poll further revealed that 68% of secondary school teachers regularly encounter absenteeism connected to students’ mental ill-health.
Additionally, 76% of secondary teachers reported regularly observing students experiencing social difficulties. The proportion of teachers stating their school lacks a counsellor has increased from 29% to 40% over the past three years.
Rising Mental Health Challenges Documented
The increase in mental health issues among children and young people is well documented. A study published in the Lancet last year reported a 65% rise in annual hospital admissions for mental health concerns among children and young people aged 5-18 between 2012-13 and 2021-22.
The study noted particularly steep increases in hospital admissions for eating disorders, which rose from 478 to 2,938 during the same period, representing a 515% increase.
Expert Insight on Eating Disorders
Consultant paediatrician Dr Lee Hudson commented on the prevalence of eating disorders, noting that the term encompasses a wide range of conditions beyond anorexia.
"Eating disorders have become more common. We know it’s going up, but we don’t know why," Dr Hudson said. "Young children can suffer from early anorexia or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (Arfid), characterised by limiting food type or quantity."
Additional Mental Health Concerns Among Pupils
Nearly half of teachers (48%) reported regularly witnessing chronic anxiety among pupils, while almost a third (31%) observed students experiencing social isolation.
NEU Response to Mental Health Support Shortages
Daniel Kebede, the NEU general secretary, addressed the challenges schools face in meeting the growing demand for mental health support.
"Schools are unable to keep pace with the obvious acceleration in the levels of mental health support needed by young people.
Demand clearly outstrips the available resources. In many cases, this rules out early and timely intervention for students.
Teachers are crying out for nurses, mental health leads, and quicker access to child and adolescent mental health service support in schools. The majority tell us they have none of these. The rest tell us they do, but it isn’t enough."
