SIR - Nostalgia can prompt adults to look back at their childhoods through rose-tinted glasses and assume that mental health issues are the problems of adults, not children. But young people’s mental health is one of the biggest issues facing the UK today.

Mental health problems can lead to young people being disruptive, difficult and withdrawn, so it’s vital they’re supported, not ignored or told off. Shockingly 45per cent of children in care have a mental health issue. And half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14, with three quarters developing by 18, according to Government reports.

Barnardo’s and 24 other children’s organisations, including The Prince’s Trust, have written to the joint inquiry of the health and education select committees into the role of education in children’s mental health, to explain why we think children’s wellbeing and mental health must be a priority for the education system.

As well as one-to-one counselling, we want the issue of children’s mental health to be discussed throughout school,

It’s crucial children with mental health problems get the support they need so they can go on to live healthy, happy lives.

Javed Khan, Chief Executive, Barnardo’s