A BOOK written by Worcester University academics calls for better understanding of young people’s wellbeing in modern society.

The book – Child and Adolescent Psychology for Social Work and Allied Professions, has been co-authored by two academics, Dr Gabriela Misca and Dr Peter Unwin.

Dr Misca is a senior lecturer in Psychology at the University of Worcester and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Dr Unwin is a principal lecturer in Social Work and a member of the British Association of Social Workers.

Dr Misca said: “Contemporary social work with children and young people is in turmoil, and one of the reasons is a lack of psychological understanding about the issues behind behaviours of children and families in today’s fast-changing world.”

Dr Unwin added: “The rapid development of social media in particular has brought with it a culture wherein bullying and a relentless focus on looks and body image, together with distorted views of sexualities, have presented today’s children and young people with new and frightening pressures.”

The book takes a candid look at how the modern social welfare system is failing young people and calls for better understanding. It introduces a range of developmental psychological theories and models and applies them to social work practice.

The book, largely aimed at social workers, psychologists and allied professionals and students, aims to provide more effective support to children and their families.

In addition, it engages in current debates about concerns for young people’s mental health, as highlighted by the recent NHS report - The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017. The report highlights one in eight 5 to 19-year olds in England have at least one mental disorder.

The book provides balanced arguments for early intervention to support young people’s wellbeing and resilience.

It also explores whether the increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with mental health difficulties is the result of modern society, and whether children are not being allowed to deal with pressures in a social media-dominated childhood.