Using Zippy's friends to promote the mental health of young children

Abstract

Mental health disorders constitute one of the most serious challenges to global health. Yet spending on mental health is a tiny fraction of spending on physical health, and there is a dearth of effective mental health promotion programmes for children, even though research has shown that young children can learn coping skills to deal with difficult life situations. Zippy's Friends is an international programme that helps 5 to 7 year olds to develop coping and social skills. Experience gained from running the programme in 11 countries, including China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), shows that, while difficulties exist, there is much that schools, teachers, and parents can do to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young children.