Almost a quarter of children in the north west of England could be struggling with their mental health as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research suggests.

New research conducted by not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health has indicated that 24 per cent of parents in the north west of England have noticed a negative impact on their children's mental wellbeing since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Twenty-nine per cent of parents also said that they do not discuss mental health with their children, which Benenden Health says is a concerning indication that more young people could be "suffering in silence".

The non-profit company has, as a result of this research, developed an online Covid-19 hub to help parents and children manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Some of the findings are particularly worrying, with a number of parents of children under 16 witnessing serious physical symptoms of poor mental health, including teeth grinding, hair loss, and in some cases, turning to substance abuse.

A major factor in the stress suffered by children at present was reported to be caused by missing friends, as well as worries over missing out on education.

The organisation’s research also found that adults in the north west are suffering due to the pandemic, with more than a third revealing that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health.

Cheryl Lythgoe, society matron at Benenden Health, said: “Covid-19 is understandably having a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, regardless of who we are or how old we are.

“Children across the country are likely to have never experienced anything like this before and the disruption, uncertainty and change is shown to be taking its toll on their mental wellbeing, whether worrying about school work and exams, isolation from friends and family or being scared about their health or that of their loved ones.

“It is vitally important that during these difficult times, support is available to everyone – regardless of age or circumstance – and certainly for parents and children themselves. Taking the time now to talk and support each other, especially as children return to school, can be crucial in getting through these challenging times together and promoting positive mental wellbeing for once we are out the other side.”