It’s not ‘grit’ that children lack, but proper support | Letters

Ministers’ pledge to foster ‘grit’ through mental health support is a distraction, writes Martin Bell, while Caroline O’Dwyer says politicians are trying to fix the kids, not the problem, and James Metcalfe advocates for nature-based activities

Comments by the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, about children’s “grit” are a distraction from the huge missed opportunity in the government’s expansion of access to mental health support teams in schools (‘Grit’ no substitute for better mental health funding for pupils in England, say experts, 16 May).

Children are resilient – but they are living in an increasingly complicated world of challenges and conflict. They’re having to cope with the consequences of the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis, social media, and school, family and relationship pressures.