| Summary: | This paper considers the increasing prevalence of mental health issues in teenagers with SEND, looking at factors including disablism, the UK national curriculum, peer conflict and bullying, and school placement. A research design is described using semi-structured and narrative interviews to obtain personal accounts of experiences of mental health from teenagers with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as to acquire the opinions of teachers and pastoral staff on these issues. Results were in-keeping with the literature, with students valuing respect and support from their friends and teachers and disliking meanness or egotistical behaviours. Staff expressed differing opinions, with the main factors they felt influenced mental health including social media, lack of funding and exam pressure. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for practice and the importance of reducing stigma linked to mental health.
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