4.1 Summarise types of factors that may affect children’s mental health and wellbeing

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Summarise types of factors that may affect children’s mental health and wellbeing.

When working in playwork, recognising the factors that can influence a child’s mental health and wellbeing is an important part of supporting them. A child’s mental health refers to their emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how they think, feel and behave. Wellbeing is broader and includes their overall quality of life, happiness and ability to cope with challenges. Many factors can have a direct or indirect impact on these areas. Some are within the child’s environment and control, while others are outside their control.

It is important to approach this with sensitivity and awareness, as children can be affected by combinations of factors. These can be short-term or long-term, and some may have lasting impacts into adulthood.

Biological Factors

Some influences come from a child’s physical and genetic makeup. These can affect brain development, emotional regulation and resilience.

Examples include:

• Genetic predisposition to conditions such as anxiety, depression or ADHD
• Neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia
• Chronic health conditions such as epilepsy, asthma or diabetes
• Hormonal changes during growth phases
• Birth complications that affect brain function

A child with a health condition may experience more stress or frustration. They may need extra support and understanding in play settings. Biological factors can change how a child processes emotions and social interactions.

Family Environment Factors

The home environment plays a large part in mental health and wellbeing. Children rely on their caregivers for safety, emotional support and guidance. When the family environment is stable and nurturing, children can develop healthy coping skills. When it is unsafe or unpredictable, their mental health can suffer.

Examples include:

• Warm and supportive relationships
• Consistent routines and boundaries
• Exposure to conflict between parents or family members
• Parental mental health difficulties or substance misuse
• Neglect or inconsistent caregiving
• Parenting approaches – overly strict, absent or permissive styles

In playwork settings, noticing signs of stress or withdrawal linked to family issues can help staff provide safe, consistent support that may act as a balancing influence.

Social Factors

Children’s mental health is affected by interactions with others outside the family. Friendship groups, peer behaviour and community life can strongly influence self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Positive friendships and inclusion in peer activities
• Bullying or social exclusion
• Supportive teachers and school staff
• Peer pressure influencing risky behaviour
• Community safety and opportunities for social engagement
• Exposure to crime or antisocial behaviour in local areas

Children who feel accepted and connected are more likely to be confident and engaged in play. Those who face social rejection or bullying can experience anxiety, depression or a decline in trust.

Cultural and Societal Factors

Culture shapes values, expectations and identity. Societal attitudes and community structure can help or hinder mental health.

Examples include:

• Cultural identity and pride in heritage
• Experience of racism or discrimination
• Religious beliefs and practices
• Societal attitudes to childhood and play
• Media representation and body image pressures

If a child experiences discrimination or feels their heritage is devalued, they may face feelings of isolation or confusion about their identity. Playwork settings can help by creating inclusive spaces that celebrate difference.

Economic Factors

Financial stability has a strong impact on wellbeing. Poverty affects access to healthy food, safe housing and opportunities for enriching experiences.

Examples include:

• Low household income
• Insecure housing or homelessness
• Limited access to extracurricular activities
• Food insecurity
• Parents working long hours or multiple jobs, leading to less supervision

Living in poverty can cause stress, reduce opportunities for active play and learning, and increase the likelihood of mental health struggles. Playwork professionals can provide positive experiences and access to free activities that help counter these effects.

Educational Factors

School plays a big role in children’s daily lives. Success and challenges here often carry over into self-esteem and emotional state.

Examples include:

• Supportive teachers and positive learning environment
• Academic pressure and high expectations
• Learning difficulties not identified or supported
• School exclusion or frequent absences
• Access to creative and active learning opportunities

If children face repeated failure or lack of support, this can lead to anxiety or low confidence. Playwork can balance this by offering non-academic environments where children feel skilled and valued.

Environmental and Living Conditions Factors

The physical spaces where children live and play affect mental and emotional states. Safe, stimulating environments can foster curiosity and relaxation. Unsafe or unstimulating surroundings can lead to stress or boredom.

Examples include:

• Safe neighbourhoods
• Access to parks, play spaces and nature
• Overcrowded housing
• Poor housing conditions such as damp or lack of heating
• Noise pollution or unsafe traffic

Children from poorly maintained or unsafe environments may find a well-run playwork setting a refuge that supports their emotional needs.

Life Events and Experiences

Significant changes or traumas can have long-lasting effects. Support during these times can help children adjust.

Examples include:

• Bereavement of a family member, friend or pet
• Parental separation or divorce
• Moving house or changing school
• Experience of abuse or neglect
• Involvement in social care systems
• Experience of refugee status or migration

These events can disrupt feelings of safety and belonging. Playwork settings can help by providing continuity, familiarity and supportive adults.

Digital and Media Influences

Technology and media have become part of most children’s lives. These bring opportunities for learning and communication, but also risks.

Examples include:

• Positive online communities and educational resources
• Cyberbullying
• Exposure to unsuitable content
• Excessive screen time reducing physical activity and face-to-face interaction
• Social media pressures on appearance and lifestyle

Playworkers can guide children toward healthy media use and provide activities that encourage real-world social and physical engagement.

Health Behaviour Factors

The way a child eats, sleeps and moves influences their mental health. Healthy routines support emotional stability, while unhealthy habits can impact mood and resilience.

Examples include:

• Balanced diet and regular meals
• Sufficient quality sleep
• Opportunities for active play and exercise
• Poor nutrition leading to fatigue or concentration problems
• Lack of physical activity affecting mood and social involvement

Playwork settings can encourage balanced routines by offering snack options, creating calm rest areas and promoting active play.

Links Between Factors

Many of these factors interact. For example, poverty can limit access to healthy food, which may affect concentration at school, leading to low self-esteem. Family stress can impact the way a child interacts with peers. Recognising the links helps playworkers respond to the whole situation rather than one symptom.

Supporting Mental Health in Playwork

Awareness is only the first step. Playworkers can make a big difference by:

• Building trusting relationships through consistent, caring interactions
• Creating safe, inclusive play environments
• Listening to children without judgement
• Offering varied play opportunities to suit different preferences and abilities
• Encouraging peer cooperation and problem-solving
• Working with families and other professionals if concerns arise

Play involves exploration, expression and social connection. It can counteract some negative influences and help children develop emotional resilience.

Final Thoughts

Children’s mental health and wellbeing are shaped by a wide range of interconnected influences. No single factor stands alone. A child may cope well in one area yet struggle in another. By being alert to possible stressors and protective elements, playworkers can respond with care and understanding.

A supportive playwork environment can strengthen resilience. It can give children the space to express themselves and feel valued. In many situations, the relationships and experiences in play settings are the steady presence a child needs when other parts of life feel uncertain or challenging.