Mark Whitehead 30 November 2017

Prejudice discourages BAME children from seeking mental health support

Ethnic minority children with mental problems may prefer to use anonymous online counselling services rather than traditional face-to-face methods because of fear of authority and prejudice, according to new research.

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) analysed the demographics of an NHS-commissioned online counselling platform for children and young people which is provided free at the point of use and can be accessed anonymously at any time of day.

It found that nearly one in five users were from an ethnic minority background compared with 13% of children referred to the traditional child and adolescent mental health service.

The findings have prompted fears that coercion and bad experiences with authority can discourage black and ethnic minority (BAME) backgrounds to access traditional mental health services

The report, Online Mental Health Support for Young People, concludes: 'It is possible to hypothesise that it is easier for young people from BAME backgrounds to take part in online counselling without feeling that their experiences will be viewed in the context of the counsellor's unconscious bias.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Residential Youth Practitioner

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Move On Service provides intensive supported housing accommodation for young people aged 16 to 18 years who are in the care of the local authority, working to create individual plans for those requiring additional support for their transition towards Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Locality and Community Support Worker - North

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Locality & Community Support Service in North Oxfordshire are seeking to recruit a Locality Support Worker to join their Locality & Community Support Team. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic worker who is passionate about improving outc Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner