Children as young as six are increasingly turning to hospital emergency departments for mental health support, according to new analysis from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The analysis found that 6,269 children aged six to nine attended A&E for mental health-related concerns in 2025, representing a 62% increase compared with 2019. Across children under 18, there were more than 75,000 emergency presentations, up 36% over the same period.

RCPCH said the sharp increase among younger children was particularly concerning and highlighted pressure on services designed to provide earlier mental health support outside emergency departments.

The figures come as health professionals warn that A&E departments are not designed to provide long-term mental health care for children. NHS guidance says young people experiencing a mental health crisis should have access to timely, age-appropriate crisis services, including urgent assessment and community-based support.

The issue is likely to increase pressure on the government to expand early intervention, community mental health services and specialist support for children and families.

The latest figures underline the growing challenge facing the NHS as more children seek emergency help for mental health concerns.