WRITING FOR CHILDREN
BIG ISSUES FOR SMALL PEOPLE
Amy Sparkes explains how to write stories for children that make important issues understandable
Amy Sparkes
Although the world and its inhabitants are wonderful and amazing, it can still be a frightening and confusing place for children. This is where stories come in. Stories can allow us to escape to a life which is not our own and give u the opportunity to safely explore an issue or an emotion. Armed with more knowledge, understanding or useful introspection, we emerge from a story stronger and wiser than before.
Why is it important to talk about issues?
MENTAL HEALTH
Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are prevalent in children, and as a result of the ongoing pandemic, this is like to become even more of a problem. Currently, almost 300,000 young people in Britain have an anxiety disorder, affecting 5-19% of all children and adolescents, and about 2-5% of children younger than twelve (www.nhsinform.scot).
However, many more children suffer with mental health problems which are undiagnosed and untreated. The Children’s Society estimate that 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 are likely to have a mental health problem, with 75% of young people with mental health problems not getting the help they need (http://writ.rs/MHstats).
Stories can provide a safe place for children to explore problems, learn skills, understand the world better and understand themselves better.