The statistics on the distress of young French people become even more refined: just over 8% of children aged 3 to 6 who attend kindergarten in France experience at least one probable mental distress, according to a study published on Tuesday 10 December.
This is the first national mental health survey to focus on very young children in France. This is a new part of the epidemiological study on the well-being and mental health of children aged 3 to 11 who attend school in metropolitan France (Enabee) carried out by Public Health France.
combining the views of parents and teachers on a representative sample of more than 2,600 children, this study, carried out in 2022, reveals that 8.3% of kindergarten children have “at least one probable mental health problem, emotional, oppositional or inattention/hyperactivity, which impacts daily life”.Simply put, around 1 in 12 children attending nursery school are affected in mainland France.
“These data increase the size of the public health problem”Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard, epidemiologist and project manager of the Enabee study, commented to Agence France-Presse (AFP). but “It is no surprise that such young children may have probable mental health problems, it is consistent with” all observations. And, he noted, “this is the same order of magnitude as the results of similar studies in France or in quiet comparable countries, such as Germany or the United States”.
In detail, there are 1.8% of children who attend school from small to large nursery school “emotional difficulties”5.9% of “oppositional difficulties”1.9% of “difficulty with inattention/hyperactivity”estimates the study, based on data collected via questionnaire – online or by telephone – between May and July 2022.
“Although greater sensitivity to mental health may eventually lead to overestimation of certain phenomena, this must be weighed against the fact that children’s mental health has long been left aside and less considered than their physical health”observed Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard. Another lesson: boys are more likely to have difficulties that impact their lives (11.3%) than girls (5.2%).
“On the differences between boys and girls, the findings are consistent with the clinical observations of mental health professionals in particular”Nolwenn Regnault, head of the perinatal, early childhood and mental health unit at Public Health France, told AFP.
Need for intervention from an early age
Nearly 13% of children attending nursery school had consulted a healthcare professional at least once for psychological or learning difficulties in the twelve months preceding the study.And about a third of children who had at least one type of probable difficulty impacting their daily life had consulted a mental health professional in the previous year.
«Prudence» however on the interpretation of the results, warns french Public Health, because “at these early ages, behavioral or emotional difficulties can evolve rapidly and their measurement is influenced by the perceptions and expectations of the responding adults”. And it is indeed not a question of clinical diagnoses but of epidemiological representation.
Knowing it “Children’s mental health is closely linked to multiple factors”this study “it allows us to identify them and identify the factors that could alter them, starting from early childhood, a critical period of progress”Dr. Caroline Semaille,director general of French public health,emphasized in a press release.
This confirms the need to intervene from an early age and to improve mental health support systems before the age of 6,according to the agency which cites,for example,psychosocial skills. Between ages 6 and 11, 13% had at least one probable mental health disorder, according to the first part of the study, published in mid-2023 and which also incorporated the children’s views. Mental health was declared a “major national cause” for 2025 by the late Barnier government. A choice welcomed in a sector in persistent crisis, where several voices have above all asked for sufficient resources.
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How can parents adn educators effectively address mental health issues in early childhood?
Interview Between Anna Dubois, Editor of Time.news, and Stéphanie Monnier-besnard, Epidemiologist and Project Manager of the Enabee Study
Anna Dubois: Welcome to Time.news, Stéphanie. We appreciate you joining us to discuss the recent findings on mental health among young children in France. Can you begin by explaining the significance of this first national mental health survey targeting kids as young as three?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: thank you for having me, Anna. This survey is indeed significant as it highlights an often-overlooked aspect of child health.by focusing on very young children, we’re able to gather crucial data on their mental well-being at a stage where foundational emotional and social skills are developed. This data amplifies the public health conversation around early intervention, which is key for addressing mental health issues effectively.
Anna Dubois: The findings show that approximately 8.3% of kindergarten children experience some form of mental distress. What types of issues are most prevalent among these children?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: The survey identified three primary areas of concern: emotional difficulties, oppositional difficulties, and attention/hyperactivity problems. Specifically, about 1.8% of children show emotional difficulties, 5.9% exhibit oppositional challenges, and approximately 1.9% are affected by attention and hyperactivity issues. These conditions can significantly impact their daily lives and overall development.
Anna Dubois: That’s quite concerning. How do these statistics compare to findings in similar countries?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: Interestingly, the prevalence we observed in France aligns with studies conducted in other countries like Germany and the United States. this consistency across various contexts further emphasizes the need for awareness and action regarding mental health issues in early childhood—not just in France, but globally.
Anna Dubois: It’s striking to hear that around 1 in 12 children in nursery school is affected. How did the research team gather this data?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: We combined insights from both parents and teachers for a representative sample of over 2,600 children. Gathering information from multiple perspectives helps paint a clearer picture of a child’s mental health. Both parents and educators are invaluable in observing behaviors and symptoms that may indicate potential mental health issues.
Anna Dubois: Given the early age at which these issues manifest, what are some steps that parents and educators can take to support these children?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: First and foremost, open communication is essential. Parents should feel encouraged to discuss any concerns with educators and vice versa. Early detection is key! Implementing supportive routines at home and in the classroom, fostering emotional intelligence through play, and seeking professional help when needed can make a huge difference. it’s also important for parents to create a stable environment and model healthy coping strategies.
Anna Dubois: As someone involved in this vital research, what message do you hope to convey to the public?
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: My primary message would be that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, especially in early childhood. We must break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions and strive for early interventions. With concerted efforts from families, educators, and policymakers, we can ensure that our youngest citizens receive the support they need to thrive.
Anna Dubois: Thank you, Stéphanie, for shedding light on this critically important issue. Your insights are invaluable as we work towards a healthier future for our children.
Stéphanie Monnier-Besnard: Thank you,Anna. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical findings with you.