There is a looming crisis in children’s mental health in England, with over one million referrals in the 2024-25 year—about 1 in 10 children—signaling a near-doubling since 2018-19 and rising distress among young people.

A government-backed report from the Children’s Commissioner shows more than one million children were referred to, waiting for, or receiving treatment in the 12 months to March 2025, roughly 10% of all children.

In 2024-25, the number of referrals surpassed the one-million mark for the first time, marking almost a 10% year-on-year increase.

The surge is partly driven by more referrals for suspected autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, which are associated with longer waits.

The Commissioner calls for accountability and public reporting on whether access to treatment improves and whether therapies are effective, alongside ongoing reforms and cross-sector collaboration.

There is a gap between need and timely treatment, with many children waiting months or years for care, underscoring systemic strain beyond NHS or schools alone.

The report frames the moment as crisis and opportunity, urging a shift from prioritizing diagnosis to delivering timely, integrated, and preventive support for all children.

A unified approach is needed that integrates mental health with education and overall wellbeing, listening to young people through initiatives like the Big Future survey.

There is no single cause for rising referrals; factors include better recognition, changes in help-seeking, social shifts, and potential under-recognition in some groups; higher diagnosis rates do not necessarily mean higher prevalence.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment.

Anxiety remains the most common reason for referrals, accounting for about 16% of cases.

Dame Rachel de Souza highlights the stark figures and urges a cross-government, joined-up approach across health, education, and social care to improve early intervention and support, calling this a generation-defining opportunity.