A NEW report has suggested that depressive symptoms are found in a quarter of girls and nearly one in 10 boys.

To help parents Dr Hayley Van Zwanenberg, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Priory’s wellbeing centre in New Inn Hall Street has now drawn up a list of ways they can intervene.

She said: “Every child has stressful situations to cope with, including arguments with friends, bullying, and disputes with parents, as well as pressures about the way they look which can emanate from social media and its reflection of a ‘perfect world’ adorned by ‘perfect people’.

“The Government-funded study of 10,000 young people suggests a quarter of girls and nearly one in 10 boys show signs of depression at the age of 14.

“Yet surveys with their parents suggest many are not aware of the true anxieties of their teenage sons and daughters.

“Parents often underestimated daughters’ stress and had concerns about sons that the boys themselves did not voice.

“Parents need to identify and understand their teenagers and help them cope in a healthier ways.”

Dr Van Zwanenberg suggests using a traffic light system to help parents know when their child’s anxiety might turn into physical harm. She also says that parents need to remind their child its normal to experience strong emotions, that they are loved unconditionally and to encourage them to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day to help improve mood and sleep patterns.

Her list also includes seeking advice from a GP if a child’s anxiety is long-standing.