Under 13s 'Being Treated For Eating Disorders'

An MSP Is calling for the Scottish Government to do more to care for young people suffering from mental health problems.

Latest figures show nearly 3-hundred children were hospitalised with eating disorders between 2009 and 2014 - including 79 under-13s. Jim Hume is calling for young people to be better educated on mental health, and the risks posed by social networks like Facebook and Imnstagram, which are often blamed for promoting unhealthy body images. These revelations follow reports that the number of children admitted to hospitals across the UK for treatment for eating disorders increased by 89% in just three years.

Mr Hume said: "It is worrying that we are yet to see a significant reduction in the number of young people being admitted to hospital for eating disorders. 
 
"With 79 children aged 5 to 13 admitted to hospitals with eating disorders in the last five years alone, there can be no complacency as we work to educate young people over the serious risks that eating disorders pose to their health. Children are living more of their lives online on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Much more research must be done to explore the impact online communities are having on a young person’s perceptions and body image.

"Mental health treatment targets have been missed and missed again as people face longer waits for important treatments."