Dyfed-Powys Police is supporting World Mental Health Day.

The theme for 2018 is Young people and Mental Health in a changing world and the aim is to bring attention to the issues our youth and young adults are facing in our world today.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, surveys suggest that more children and young people have problems with their Mental Health today compared to that of 30 years ago with statistics showing that Mental Health issues such as depression, self-harm and anxiety affect 1 in 10 of our children and young people.

Research shows that young people are spending a lot of time on the internet – experiencing cyber-crimes and cyber bullying. The use of drugs and alcohol by young people is also a problem. All these issues can affect the mental wellbeing of a child.

Dyfed-Powys Police have dedicated School Community Police Officers(SCPO) who visit both primary and secondary schools in the area to provide lessons on three main themes; drug and substance misuse, social behaviour and community and personal safety. To support the lessons provided is the website schoolbeat.org.

The bilingual site provides information and resources for teachers, pupils and parents to follow up on the lessons they receive from SCPO in schools.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “Mental health can affect any one of us, at any age and having good mental health is as important as having good physical health. It is important that we are able to support children and young people as they grow up. I would encourage parents and people with responsibilities for children and young people to visit the site. It has a wealth of information on issues that affect the young in our communities and consequently affect their mental health.”

There are different sections for pupils, parents and teachers which provide guidance on issues such as substance misuse, bullying, cyberbullying, internet safety and anti-social behaviour.

The website also has links to partner agencies who can also provide assistance in protecting and supporting children and the young in our communities.