Open University launches free children’s mental health course 

The eight-week course, which focuses on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young children from birth to eight years, is aimed at adults who have an interest, professionally or personally, in the care and education of young children.

It covers a global view of  children’s mental health and wellbeing, whereby an estimated 10 per cent of children suffer from mental health problems.

Dr Jackie Musgrave, programme lead for early childhood and education studies at the Open University and one of the of authors of the course, said, ‘The course draws on the expertise of professionals who work with young children, including counsellors and psychotherapists and the content has been reviewed by professionals working within the field.

‘Increasingly, very young children and their families are seeking the support of health care professionals because of mental health issues. When I wrote the initial plan for the course two years ago, it was obvious at that time there was a need, and of course, the pandemic has undoubtedly impacted on the wellbeing of babies and young children, making it even more timely.’

She added, ‘It’s easy to think that in the past childhood was idyllic and life was better but that’s just not true. Only 150 years ago, terrified young children swept chimneys. Eighty years ago, many young children were separated from their families and sent to strangers or went through traumatic times with their families during the second world war.

‘Mental ill health in children is not new. We all have mental health and in the same way as physical health, it can fluctuate.’

There are multiple factors that influence children’s enjoyment and experiences of life: some are within each child, such as their personality or level of resilience. External factors also influence children’s mental health, such as living conditions or family and other relationships. In addition, there are global influences, such as a country’s geographical location and political situation, as well as health-related global events such as the current pandemic.

While the context of children’s lives undoubtedly contributes to their mental health, this course - Supporting young children’s (0-8) mental health and wellbeing - highlights that there is much that can be done to improve children’s sense of wellbeing and prevent poor mental health.

The sessions cover the following subjects:

1. Setting the scene by looking at the past
2. Increasing your knowledge of mental health
3. Mental health promotion and education
4. A global view of children’s mental health and wellbeing
5. Wellbeing and mental health in education settings
6. Professional support for children and their mental health
7. Exploring some of the interventions to support children’s mental health
8. The influence of screen time on young children’s mental health and wellbeing

In the first few days since the launch of the course, Dr Musgrave said that more than 1,000 people have registered, and 80 have completed the 24 hours of learning and claimed their free certificate of participation and digital badge.  

The free introductory course can be accessed here.