Smiling Mind calls for dedicated federal minister to address child mental health problem

With seven out of 10 of the most common presentations to paediatricians now for mental health, leading to an Australian mental health not-for-profit to call for a dedicated federal Children’s Minister.

Cassie Xintavelonis child psychologist with daughter Calliope Xintavelonis, 9, and friend Sydney McInnes, 10. For Our Kids Count national push for Australia's first Children's Minister as the childhood mental health crisis spirals. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

With seven out of 10 of the most common presentations to paediatricians now for mental health, leading to a major Australian mental health not-for-profit to call for a dedicated federal Children’s Minister.

Recent reports by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) show that mental illnesses and their diagnosis are rapidly increasing, and the potential for a children’s mental health crisis is growing.

Not-for-profit meditation program, Smiling Mind, have started the Our Kids Count campaign to push for a dedicated Children’s Minister in response to the data.

Nearly double the number of social anxiety disorder presentations among six to 12-year-olds were recorded by the APS.

An increase of 30 per cent was also noted in children aged 18 months to five.

Cassie Xintavelonis (centre) child psychologist with daughter Calliope Xintavelonis, 9, and Sydney McInnes, 10. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Child Psychologist, Cassie Xintavelonis, has also witnessed the concerning escalation in child mental health issues at her clinics.

She said mental health had been on the decline in children prior to the Covid pandemic.

“People were trying to attribute mental health to the lockdowns, but really we were seeing increases before that,” Ms Xintavelonis said.

“We’ve seen a real increase in the number of mental health referrals for anxiety and even things like self-harm, which used to be an issue more for teenagers – that is very concerning.”

A potential federal Children’s Minister would aim to represent the gap between Early Childhood Education from zero to five years old, and youth from 12 to 24 years old.

The minister would then able to call for funding, research and intervention for Australian children, something Ms Xintavelonis believes is lacking in Tasmania.

“Even in terms of services, there is a definite lack across the board for all ages, but children remain unaddressed,” she said.

“High schools are well-equipped with resources for mental health and wellbeing support for teenagers, whereas [for] primary schools, there is really only support for one day a week.

“There aren’t a lot of free services for children and clinics specialising in young children are few and far between.”

She said the imbalance created by a gap in mental health organisations targeting kids aged five to 12 would mean prevention and early intervention was not achieved.

“The reason I got into child psychology was that I could make a difference,” she said.

“Sometimes with adults, the work is harder and there is further to go to make progress with mental health, but if there is early intervention, you can normalise mental health services, seeing professionals and developing strategies.”

To sign the digital petition for Our Kids Count, head to: www.smilingmind.com.au.

Originally published as Smiling Mind calls for dedicated federal minister to address child mental health problem