To provide members of the Committee with an overview of work that has been undertaken to inform our understanding of children and young people's (CYP's) mental health in Herefordshire, and the universal and preventative programmes that support good mental health and wellbeing.

Before this presentation and discussion the chair proposed extending the meeting for 15 minutes until 5.45pm and this was accepted by all attending.

The Consultant in Public Health introduced the report on the overview of work that has been undertaken to inform our understanding of children and young people's (CYP's) mental health in Herefordshire, and the universal and preventative programmes that support good mental health and wellbeing.

During discussion the following principal points were noted:

•        During the pandemic a lot of children are now using social media, the pressures and bullying online are causing issues. The police are leading on the worst examples of this.

•        It could be something for local government to look into, and for the schools to monitor some of the children.

•        The pressures that children are under was raised and suggested that it could lead to grooming and sexual exploitation. Local government should be getting a handle on this and liaising with the police.

•        Need to get a grip of bullying on platforms online. The committee would like to see local government take a closer look into this, as it leads onto mental health and abuse issues.

•        Engagement with the faith communities is supported by Talk Communities, which aims to reach all different forms of communities. Cross directorate initiative needed to support this.

The following recommendations were proposed and seconded and carried unanimously.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Committee recommended that:

a)      The children’s commissioners’ newsletter be circulated to all councillors.

b)      Local government level social media platforms are explored in their relation to their impact on the wellbeing of young people and the risks presented to young people into being drawn into sexual exploitation and bullying using these platforms be investigated