Vulnerable yet forgotten? A systematic review identifying the lack of evidence for effective suicide interventions for young people in contact with child protection systems.

Impacts of school closures on physical and mental health of children and young people: a systematic review

10.1101/2021.02.10.21251526 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Russell Viner ◽

Simon Russell ◽

Rosella Saulle ◽

Helen Croker ◽

Claire Stansfeld ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Young People ◽

Child Protection ◽

Service Use ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

High Quality ◽

School Closures ◽

Children And Young People

AbstractBackgroundThe well-documented links between education and health mean that school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be associated with significant health harms to children and young people (CYP). A systematic review of the evidence is needed to inform policy decisions around school closures and re-openings during the pandemic.MethodsWe undertook a high-quality systematic review of observational quantitative studies (published or preprint) of the impacts of school closures (for any reason) on the health, wellbeing and educational outcomes of CYP, excluding impacts of closure on transmission of infection (PROSPERO CRD42020181658). We used a machine learning approach for screening articles, with decisions on inclusion and data extraction performed independently by 2 researchers. Quality was assessed for study type. A narrative synthesis of results was undertaken as data did not allow meta-analysis.Results16,817 records were screened, of which 151 were reviewed in full-text and 72 studies were included from 20 countries. 33% were cohort studies using historical control periods; 19% pre-post studies; and 46% cross-sectional studies which assessed change by comparison with population reference data. 63% were high-quality, 25% medium-quality and 13% low-quality. Cause of closure in all studies was the first COVID-19 pandemic wave with the exception of 5 influenza studies and 1 teacher strike.27 studies concerning mental health identified considerable impacts across emotional, behavioural and restlessness/inattention problems; 18-60% of CYP scored above risk thresholds for distress, particularly anxiety and depressive symptoms. Two studies reported non-significant rises in suicide rates. Self-harm and psychiatric attendances were markedly reduced, indicating a rise in unmet mental health need. Child protection referrals fell 27-39%, with a halving of the expected number of referrals originating in schools.19 studies concerning health service use showed marked reductions in emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions, with evidence of delayed presentations and potential widening of inequalities in vaccination coverage. Data suggested marked rises in screen-time and social media use and reductions in physical activity however data on sleep and diet were inconclusive. Available data suggested likely higher harms in CYP from more deprived populations.ConclusionsSchool closures as part of broader social distancing measures are associated with considerable harms to CYP health and wellbeing. Available data are short-term and longer-term harms are likely to be magnified by further school closures. Data are urgently needed on longer-term impacts using strong research designs, particularly amongst vulnerable groups. These findings are important for policy-makers seeking to balance the risks of transmission through school-aged children with the harms of closing schools.

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Consumer groups in child protection: Enhancing the accountability of the system

Children Australia ◽

10.1017/s1035077200008610 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 33-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Philip Mendes

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Child Protection ◽

Australian Association ◽

Biological Parents ◽

Protection Systems ◽

State Child ◽

Children In Care

The theme of this paper is the central role of consumer groups in promoting greater accountability in child protection systems. In recent years, numerous Australian authors have drawn attention to the failings of our State child protection systems. Particular concern has been expressed about the potential ‘systems abuse’ of children in care, and the failure of statutory systems to engage or adequately consider the perspectives of biological parents. One of the principal reasons for these deficits appears to be the absence of formal consultation mechanisms with consumers of protection services. This paper considers the recent rise of consumer groups of both young people in protection and care, and their parents/caregivers, in relation to the above concerns, with particular reference to Victoria. Attention is drawn to both the strengths and weaknesses of the better known groups such as the Australian Association of Young People in Care and their State affiliates, and the Parent Inquiry into Child Protection. The author believes that the role of consumer groups as a ‘watchdog’ will become even more important with the intended privatization of some State child protection systems.

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Youth Suicide Research: Some Current Challenges and Opportunities

Suicidologi ◽

10.5617/suicidologi.8545 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Joe Robinson ◽

Zoe Teh

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Young People ◽

Suicide Prevention ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Youth Suicide ◽

Full Spectrum ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Prevention Activities ◽

Suicide Interventions

Rates of youth suicide are increasing. Frameworks for suicide prevention activities exist and span universal,selective and indicated interventions, but how do they apply to young people? In order to answer this question,we conducted i) a systematic review and meta-analysis of almost 100 studies that examined the full spectrum ofyouth suicide interventions, and ii) a consultation with young people from across Australia. These activities ledto a program of work that was specifically developed by and for young people and that has young people as activepartners in the research. In this paper we describe some of the gaps in current youth suicide prevention researchefforts and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that including young people as active partnersin suicide research presents.

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