12 September 2006
Dear Sir,
Many factors can contribute to mental health problems in children. However, instead of blaming our culture as a whole, we need to focus on addressing issues that can most affect a child’s mental health such as diet, exercise and education (Junk culture ‘is poisoning our children’, 12 September).
A growing body of evidence shows that a healthy diet can improve concentration and behaviour, yet many children still consume unhealthy foods day in day out. Exercise is also important for good mental health but youngsters are engaging less and less in physical activity. Schools have a duty to promote mental well-being but poorly joined up education policies mean that many are failing to do this both through the curriculum and in the dinner hall and playground.
The Government must invest in effective public health interventions to address the huge threats to our children’s mental and physical health. Investment in our schools is needed to support the healthy mental development of children if we are to have any chance of alleviating the current epidemic of mental health problems.
Andrew McCulloch
Chief Executive
The Mental Health Foundation
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