Mental Problems in Children

"Up to one in five of the world’s children suffer mental or behavioural problems that could blight the rest of their lives," states The Independent of London. In a joint report, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund warn that rates of depression, suicide, and self-harm have increased "alarmingly" among young people. The worst affected are those living in war zones and in countries undergoing rapid social and economic change. According to The Independent, the report said that depressed children "were prone to other illnesses and risky habits that could shorten their lives." It also stated that "about 70 per cent of premature adult deaths were linked to behaviour that developed in adolescence, such as smoking, drinking and drug abuse."