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Children’s Mental Health Week: how to start the conversation at home

Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 1 to 7 February 2027. Here is what the numbers say, and four calm ways to talk about feelings at home.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

Children’s Mental Health Week, run by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, takes place from 1 to 7 February 2027. This year’s theme is “Step into Our World”: an invitation for adults to see things through children’s eyes, with empathy and patience.[3]

Early February can be a heavy time. The days are short, mocks and tests are back, and the excitement of the new year has faded. It is a good week to check in.

2. What the numbers say

NHS England’s most recent national survey found that 20.3% of 8 to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023. That is about one in five, or roughly six children in a class of 30.[1]

The rates are similar for older age groups: 23.3% of 17 to 19-year-olds and 21.7% of 20 to 25-year-olds. Rates rose between 2017 and 2020, then stayed at similar levels between 2022 and 2023.[1]

“Probable mental disorder” covers a range of conditions, from anxiety and low mood to behaviour difficulties. It is common, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Age group
Probable mental disorder, 2023
8 to 16
20.3%
17 to 19
23.3%
20 to 25
21.7%

3. Four ways to start the conversation

These ideas are based on the NHS guide to talking to your child about feelings.[2]

Notice, then ask gently

Comment on what you see (“You seem quiet today”). If they don’t want to talk, drop it and try again later.

Watch their play

Younger children often show feelings through play. Commenting on what you see can open a conversation.

Make time together

Even if they don’t open up, time spent with you builds trust for the day they do.

Be honest about worrying news

Explain things at their level, tell them it is normal to feel worried, and say what you are doing to keep them safe.

Listen first, fix later: It is tempting to jump in with solutions. Often the most helpful thing is to listen, and to say “That sounds hard. I’m glad you told me.”

4. When to get help

If you are still worried after talking with your child, the NHS advises speaking to your GP. Your child’s school can also help: a teacher, the pastoral team or a school counsellor.[2]

Children can call Childline free on 0800 1111, any time, to talk to someone in confidence.[2]

Feeling heard is where it starts.

Is schoolwork part of the worry?: When the pressure is about falling behind, a calm plan can help. Our teachers work with children online or in person, at a pace that suits them. Book a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. What share of 8 to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023?

  2. 2. What is the theme of Children’s Mental Health Week 2027?

  3. 3. Who should you talk to if you are still worried?

Your next steps

  • Find ten minutes together this week: a walk, a game or a meal.
  • Ask one gentle question, and let it go if they don’t want to talk.
  • Save Childline’s number (0800 1111) somewhere your child can find it.

Sources

  1. NHS England (November 2023). One in five children and young people had a probable mental disorder in 2023. england.nhs.uk/2023/11/one-in-five-children-and-young-people-had-a-probable-mental-disorder-in-2023
  2. NHS. Talking to your child about feelings (reviewed March 2026). nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/talk-to-children-about-feelings
  3. Place2Be. Children’s Mental Health Week. place2be.org.uk/about-us/childrens-mental-health-week

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.