Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on steps to help improve boys' mental health.

The Secretary of State for Education and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care meet regularly to discuss a variety of issues, including children’s mental health.

Mental health issues can have a long-lasting effect and it is important that boys are equipped to look after their own wellbeing and receive support when they need it. The department has taken steps to ensure schools can support all pupils with mental health and wellbeing and, within that, make sure they are reaching boys. The department works closely with the Department for Health and Social Care on delivery of shared commitments in the Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision Green Paper, including the department’s offer of senior mental health lead training for all schools and colleges and the continued rollout of Mental Health Support Teams.

To tackle any stigma boys may feel in relation to seeking or offering help, the department has made mental health and wellbeing, and the tackling of gender stereotypes, a compulsory part of the curriculum for all schools. Curriculum content on respectful relationships covers stereotypes of masculinity and femininity, and content on mental wellbeing includes knowing how to talk about emotions accurately and sensitively.

The department is also looking at improving access to wider activities that can help boys to develop supportive relationships and social skills and support their wellbeing.