The National Child Health Poll has revealed half of Victorian children aged three years and over experience problems with anxiety.
The study by the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) surveyed 1285 Victorian parents to investigate the current levels of anxiety among children in Victoria.
Parents have reported 50 per cent of children were experiencing problems, with 36 per cent experiencing some problems and 14 per cent experiencing big problems.
According to the poll, children in Victoria, nationally and internationally were suffering from high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with girls reportedly more likely to be experiencing a problem with anxiety than boys.
The study also asked parents if they would be concerned if their child developed various signs and symptoms known to be associated with mental health problems.
But according to the poll report, only one in three parents are confident in distinguishing between ‘normal’ worries in children and anxiety that might need professional help.
Paediatrician and poll director Dr Anthea Rhodes said mental health problems are wide ranging and anxiety in particular can manifest in health concerns and behavioural problems.
These include frequent tummy aches, avoiding school or trouble sleeping.
“And of course, it’s normal for a child to be worried or anxious sometimes,” she said.
Yet ongoing fears and worries that prevent a child from participating in their everyday activities, can be a sign of something serious.
“So it’s challenging for parents to recognise at what point anxiety becomes a problem, and might need professional support,” Dr Rhodes said.
Dr Rhodes said it’s important to help parents, educators and other caregivers to improve their mental health knowledge.
“When anxiety is picked up in the early stages, children can be supported to stop it escalating. Long term, this could mean the difference between a child needing to see a psychologist or not,” she said.
