FEWER children in Bradford are unhappy with their mental health than almost anywhere else in England, according to a survey.

Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said a fifth of children in the country felt this way – making it their top concern – and praised them as being part of a “survivor generation”.

She polled more than half a million school pupils across the country for her Big Ask survey between April and May.

In Bradford, 3,220 children aged between nine and 17 responded to a question on their mental health – with 16% saying they were unhappy with it.

This was one of the lowest rates in the country and a much lower proportion than in Rutland, in the East Midlands, where 26% of youngsters reported feeling this way.

Meanwhile, 12% of kids in Bradford said they were unhappy with their physical health, 5% with their friendships, and 8% with their life overall.

The survey found that a fifth of children across England were unhappy with their mental health – but girls were almost twice as likely as boys to think this (25% versus 13%).

Dame Rachel said this generation were not 'snowflakes', but were "veterans of a global crisis".

She added: “They have seen how colossally frightening life can be, far too young, and have made a lot of sacrifices.

“But they have endured and are emerging stronger and prematurely wise. Bruised, yes, and in many cases seriously vulnerable, but, for the most part, happy, optimistic and determined.

“They are a survivor generation – a sleeves‑up, pragmatic generation, with civic‑minded aspirations.”

David Sims, Medical Director for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Responsible Officer for the Act as One Children and Young People programme said: “We know that the pandemic has had an impact on the emotional health and wellbeing of our communities across all ages, including children and young people.

"It is really important that we tackle stigma and avoid labels that prevent people from accessing support when they need it.

"Terms such as toughen it out or survivor generation are not helpful for people who need to be supported so they can manage their mental health with support.

"If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing or that of a friend or family member, it’s important that you seek help."

The report is calling for a comprehensive catch-up package for schools, a faster expansion of mental health support teams, and stronger safeguards for social media platforms.

The survey also asked pupils what they worry about, with the highest proportion nationally (41%) saying they were concerned about having enough money to buy the things they need.

The second most common worry reported (39%) was whether they will grow up to benefit from a healthy planet.

In Bradford, an equal proportion of children (34%) said they were worried about having a good job or career, and having a healthy environment and planet.

On the whole, pupils in the area are much more optimistic than kids elsewhere.

Around 60% said it is likely they will have a better life than their parents, compared to 52% across England.

Catherine Roche, chief executive at mental health charity Place2Be, said the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities.

She added: "Our school-based mental health professionals have seen an increase in concerns around self-harm and suicidal thoughts in our secondary schools.

“However, we also know that there was already a big gap in support for children and young people even before the pandemic."

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “We know that the pandemic hit young people hard, which is why we have launched a tutoring revolution to make sure they catch up and bolstered mental health support in schools."

Mr Sims added: “We would like to assure children and young people that we have services here to help them. Children and young people can get immediate information and advice from Kooth.com or call our Guide-line service on 08001 884 884.

"If you are worried about a friend or family member, please speak to a healthcare professional such as your GP or a school nurse. Information on all the local services available to help you or someone you’re worried about can be found on the Healthy Minds website at healthyminds.services”