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Almost half of education professionals say pupils in their school have self-harmed due to stress, according to a new survey published today.

Research compiled by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) found that 48% of members knew of pupils who had self-harmed in their school.

A further 43% said pupils suffered from eating disorders and 20% of staff surveyed said pupils had attempted suicide because of the pressure they are under.

Overall, 88% of respondents said pressure on pupils caused low self-esteem; 84% said young people appeared anxious; and 78% said children struggled to concentrate due to the stress placed on them.

See also: New three-year plan unveiled to improve mental health services in Wales

Mental health issues

An ATL member in London, whose identity has been protected, said: “I have seen a huge increase in physical symptoms of stress and incidents of self-harm. Suicidal thoughts have escalated beyond control.”

A teacher at a Norfolk primary school said: “As head of school, I am spending more and more of my time supporting children with mental health issues.

“The school would never manage to support all the children we do without our pastoral leader, but she is now snowed under. Mental health issues are probably our biggest barrier to academic progress.”

Another teacher, from a secondary school in Surrey, said: “A few students come to me quite regularly for support – sometimes just to have a chat, sometimes for a place to sit quietly, sometimes for encouragement to get on with their day.

“I worry that I don’t have enough time to spend on the things I should be doing because time is so short.”

When asked what factors contribute to increased pressure on young people, 70% of the 420 education staff polled said teacher and school pressure to do well, 68% said a fragmented home-life and 59% said an over-crowded curriculum.

Almost three quarters (73%) of those surveyed felt that young people are under more pressure now than two years ago and 82% felt that pupils are under more stress than 10 years ago.

Seventy-nine per cent of school staff said they personally support pupils with emotional or mental health issues at least once a week, with more than a third (36%) supporting pupils more than once a day.

See also: More children in Wales are being prescribed antidepressants

'Horrifying'

The research, published to coincide with ATL’s annual conference in Liverpool, was undertaken in March and included staff from schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of ATL, said: “It is horrifying that young people feel under so much pressure that many are self-harming and contemplating suicide.

“Children are not just statistics, but individuals with different strengths, interests and needs.

“Politicians also miss the point that children perform better if they are supported and feel safe, and with young people spending a huge proportion of their time in school it is vital that we create environments to support their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

“ATL wants all schools to have access to trained professionals to support pupils; and an education system which motivates and engages learners, instead of one which causes many young people to feel under constant pressure.”