Go Back to Previous Page

Rate this article:

(Rated 0 Stars)

Northumberlandview.ca
Date Published: Wednesday, October 3, 2012
View printable version

More than half of Canadian parents  (53 per cent) have never discussed their children's mental health with anyone,  according to the 2012 RBC Children's Mental Health Parents Poll. Most of these  parents (65 per cent) assume their child would come to them if they had a  problem - but they may not be correct.

Children are more likely to confide in friends  (50 per cent) about their mental health concerns rather than their mother (30  per cent), a health professional (22 per cent) or father (10 per cent),  according to a companion online poll of 115 youth who visited the Kids Help  Phone website, Canada's leading online and phone  counselling service for youth. Among the 45 per cent of parents who have talked  about their children's mental health with someone, only half (49 per cent) have  talked about it with their child.

"Many parents and children don't discuss mental health  concerns, such as how a child is feeling or behaving. In my daily practice, I've  seen how lack of communication leads to missed warning signs," said Dr. Ian Manion, psychologist, executive director of the  Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health and an advisor to  the RBC Children's Mental Project. "Kids who suffer in silence can obsess over  simple issues that can quickly become unmanageable. Parents who have regular  conversations with their children about feelings and behaviour are more likely  to identify potential concerns early and help their child more effectively."

When parents were asked to whom they expect their child would  speak about a mental health concern, 63 per cent indicated it would be  themselves, 34 per cent said the other parent, followed by friends (23 per  cent), a teacher (19 per cent), or a grandparent (18 per cent). Parents who have  talked about their children's mental health issue are more likely to have  confided in a spouse or partner (74 per cent), a doctor (64 per cent) or teacher  (56 per cent).

"It can be challenging to discuss mental illness, but being open and honest  is important to ensure children get the support they need to live healthy  lives," said Jamie Anderson, deputy chair of RBC  Capital Markets and executive champion of the RBC Children's Mental Health  Project. "Many parents don't feel equipped to have those conversations with  their children. That's why the RBC Children's Mental Health Project funds so  many organizations that provide information and resources to help parents and  families."

Other findings from the 2012 RBC Children's Mental Health Parents  Poll

The gender gap: mothers and  fathers take a different approach There were significant differences in  how mothers and fathers would handle certain problem behaviours. While both  genders said they would monitor aggressive behaviour first before seeking help,  men are more likely to try and manage on their own.

While the majority of fathers would feel worried if their child  showed signs of a potential mental illness, they are less inclined to feel this  way than women (55 per cent compared to 65 per cent). On the other hand, women  are more likely to seek out information on children's mental health than men (60  per cent compared to 50 per cent).

Parents lack credible information on mental health, many  rely on internet The RBC poll showed that access to accurate information  on children's mental health is a big issue for parents. The majority (53 per  cent) of parents who have looked for information on children's mental health or  illness say that finding information they can trust is a nightmare. Over half  (58 per cent) feel overwhelmed by the volume of information available. Most  parents opt for an online search as their first source of information (35 per  cent) followed by the family doctor (22 per cent) and school personnel including  counsellors or teaching staff (12 per cent).

Stigma around mental health is still a problem for  parents The RBC poll found that one significant barrier to early  intervention, diagnosis and treatment of a child's mental health issue may be  perceived stigma. An overwhelming majority of parents agree that children with a  mental health condition are stigmatized among their peers (84 per cent) or among  adults (76 per cent). Over one-quarter of parents (27 per cent) admit they would  feel embarrassed if people found out their child had a mental health condition.

"Stigma is a significant barrier that we can all overcome,  whether you have a diagnosed child or not," added Anderson. "Many parents have a  natural tendency to protect their children from the judgment of others, but this  can prevent early treatment and intervention that's necessary to help in the  long run."

About the RBC Children's Mental Health Parents Poll The RBC Children's Mental Health Parents Poll was completed online from July 19 to August 3, 2012 using Leger Marketing's  online panel, LegerWeb, with a sample of 2,568 Canadian parents with at  least one child under the age of 18. A probability sample of the same size would  yield a margin of error of ±1.93 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Kids Help Phone commissioned a companion poll to the 2012 RBC  Children's Mental Health Parents Poll asking 115 youth visiting the Kids Help  Phone website, who they have or would speak to about their mental health  concerns. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has been Canada's leading online and phone counselling service  for young people age five to 20. It's free, anonymous, confidential and  available 365 days a year in English and in French.

About the RBC Children's Mental Health Project The RBC Children's  Mental Heath Project is a multi-year philanthropic commitment to programs that  reduce stigma, provide early intervention and increase public awareness about  children's mental health issues. The RBC Children's Mental Health Project is our  cornerstone 'health and wellness' donations program, and since 2008, we have  donated over $12 million to more than 200  community-based and hospital programs across Canada. For more information, visit rbc.com/childrensmentalhealth.