Recent comments from Professor Peter Fonagy, who is leading an independent review of children and young people’s mental health, have sparked discussion about the pressures facing young people today.

Professor Fonagy has rejected the idea that young people are simply a “snowflake generation’’, pointing instead to a genuine increase in mental distress among children and teenagers, There has been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders the most common. Read the article here: Young people are not snowflakes, head of mental health review says – BBC News

For those of us working closely with young people, the conversation is a useful reminder of the importance of noticing when something changes.

One-to-one tuition means getting to know the student

One of the benefits of one-to-one tuition is the relationship that develops between tutor and student. Tutors will get to know each student and an understanding of how each student normally behaves. This can be a mix of behaviour but when something changes, perhaps a student becomes quieter, less engaged, unusually frustrated or simply seems different from their usual self it can be noticeable.

That change doesn’t necessarily mean there is a mental health issue.

There could be many reasons. School pressures, friendships, exams, family circumstances, tiredness or something else entirely can affect how a young person behaves.

The important thing is not to make assumptions, but to be aware.

Tutors have an important role to play

Tutors aren’t there to diagnose or solve a student’s personal difficulties. Our role is to provide a supportive learning environment and, where appropriate, make sure any safeguarding concerns are passed on through the right channels.

If a tutor notices a significant or persistent change in a student’s behaviour, engagement or wellbeing, it’s important that they don’t simply dismiss it. Equally, they don’t need to try to work out what is behind it.

Sometimes, noticing that something has changed is enough to prompt a conversation with the appropriate safeguarding lead. 

That might be the first step in making sure a student gets the support they need from the right person.  Read more about safeguarding here Compliance – EdNet