31/01/2025
Supporting Children's Mental Health in 2025
At Barracudas, we know that a child’s well-being is just as important as their physical health and development. As the UK’s leading provider of activity day camps, we see first-hand how confidence, self-awareness, and emotional resilience play a crucial role in a child’s happiness. That’s why we’re committed to supporting children’s mental health, not just during our school holiday camps but throughout the year, by providing parents with expert advice and practical tips to help their children thrive.
With Place2Be’s 11th annual Children’s Mental Health Week taking place from 3rd to 9th February 2025, we’re proud to champion this year’s theme: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. This important message encourages children to embrace self-awareness, understand their emotions, and recognise their strengths—essential skills that help them grow into resilient, confident individuals.
Why Self-Awareness Matters
Self-awareness is the foundation of positive mental health. When children learn to understand their feelings, they’re better equipped to manage challenges, build strong relationships, and develop a sense of purpose. Simple activities, such as reflecting on personal experiences or discussing emotions openly, can help children recognise their own needs and aspirations.
Encouraging self-awareness also helps children develop coping strategies for difficult situations. Whether it’s handling friendship issues, managing school pressures, or overcoming self-doubt, knowing themselves allows children to navigate life with greater confidence and resilience.
The State of Children's Mental Health in the UK
It’s never been more important to focus on children’s mental well-being. Recent statistics highlight the growing challenges young people face:
- 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023
- In 2020, 1 in 6 children aged 5 to 16 experienced a mental health problem, an increase from 1 in 9 in 2017
- Half of all mental health issues develop by the age of 14
With the pressures of modern life, social media, and academic demands, supporting children’s emotional well-being has never been more critical.
How Parents Can Help
As parents, you play a vital role in nurturing your child’s self-awareness and mental health. Here are some practical ways to support their well-being:
- Create a safe space for open conversations: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without fear of judgement. Ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think would help in this situation?” to help them express themselves
- Encourage self-reflection: Help your child develop self-awareness by encouraging them to think about their strengths, challenges, and emotions. Journaling, drawing, or storytelling can be great ways to explore these feelings
- Foster a growth mindset: Teach children that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to learn. Praise their efforts rather than just their achievements to build resilience and confidence in their abilities
- Support healthy routines: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep all contribute to mental well-being. Outdoor play and creative activities can also boost mood and reduce stress
- Limit screen time & promote mindful activities: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact self-esteem and increase anxiety. Encourage screen-free activities such as reading, arts and crafts, or outdoor adventures to promote mindfulness and relaxation
- Lead by example: Children learn by watching adults. Show them how you manage your own emotions by talking openly about your feelings and demonstrating healthy coping strategies
How Barracudas Supports Children’s Mental Health
At Barracudas, we’re passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves. Our holiday camps provide the perfect space for kids to develop self-awareness through fun, active, and engaging experiences. Whether it’s trying a new sport, making friends, or building teamwork skills, every activity is designed to boost confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.
We also know that supporting mental health doesn’t stop when the school holidays end. That’s why we’re dedicated to sharing expert advice, practical tips, and resources with parents all year round. Together, we can help children Know Themselves, Grow Themselves—not just for one week, but for life.
Sources/articles:
1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023
Half of all mental health issues develop by the age of 14