Depression, violence and poverty: the mental epidemic of children

In 2020, 13,101 criminal cases were opened for offenses against minors and 4,027 cases were opened for offenses in the family. In addition, there was a 10% increase in the number of children staying in shelters for women victims of violence, and a 19% increase in the number of children exposed to violence between their parents.

Data from the Maccabi Health Fund show that in 2021 there was a sharp increase in mental distress among 17-12 year olds compared to 2019: a 39% increase in children diagnosed With depression, of 33% diagnosed with anxiety, of 20% diagnosed with emotional disorders, and of 56% diagnosed with eating disorders. The increase is significantly higher among girls.

Suicide even under the age of nine: the price of distress

• The situation of the children also worsened on the road: in 2020, the number of cyclists and electric scooters up to the age of 16 who were hospitalized jumped by 60% compared to the year before. The report also shows that the economic blow hit all ages: the rate of poor children in 2021 was estimated by the National Insurance Institute at 31.2%, meaning that almost every third child in Israel lives in poverty.

  “The corona crisis has led to social and emotional harm to children and youth in Israel, and this can also be seen in the increase in reports of anxiety and distress, cyberbullying and suicide,” said President Yitzhak Herzog, who received the report.

  The Director General of the Child Welfare Council, Adv. Vered Windman, called on the government to establish a comprehensive national plan to assist children: “After almost two years, during which the plague struck such a severe and dramatic blow to children, such a plan is the order of the hour.”

  Note: This article has been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here