Being a parent, guardian or carer of a child can be both rewarding and challenging. Between the ages of 11 to 16 there are many landmarks that the child will experience, including school, friendships, family life and much more.
These pages signpost you to sources of advice, help and support.
Many children and young people experience emotional and behavioural problems from time to time in childhood. They may be stressed about exams, unhappy about friendship problems, confused about changes to their body, anxious about the future. They may experience worries and sadness.
Most parents, carers, family members and professionals working with children and young people will find themselves supporting a child with emotional or behavioural problems.
Many children with mental health or emotional difficulties will confide in someone they already know and trust therefore it is likely some young people will turn to you for support.
If you are looking for guidance on neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD or Autism then please visit the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website.
A one page overview with advice, where to get help, crisis support and descriptions of relevant support services. Includes PDF of overview to download.
Explains what anxiety is and how it may appear in 11-16-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Explains what low mood and depression is and how it may appear in 11-16-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Explains what fussy eating and eating difficulties are and how they may appear in 11-16-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Advice on what you can do to support your 11-16-year-old to regulate and manage their emotions. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Advice on what you can do to support your 11-16-year-old through grief, loss and bereavement. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Advice on what you can do to support your 11-16-year-old through a traumatic experience. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Explains what Tics and Tourette’s is and how it may appear in 11-16-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Advice on what you can do to support your 11-16-year-old through self-harm. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Explains what psychosis is and how it may appear in 11-16-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Advice on what you can do to support your 11-16-year-old through suicidal thoughts or the effects of suicide. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help.
Explains what selective mutism is and how it may appear in 5-10-year-olds. Includes top tips for supporting your child, things that could help and where to get more help if needed.
Our friendly team at the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub are here to help.
Enter your details and someone will call you back between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health help, please call 111 – the NHS non-emergency number. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free from any phone. They have specialist mental health nurses who can support adults and young people.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.