The incidence of mental health problems among school-aged children is a cause for concern, with the need for services outstripping their availability. In the first of two articles, Sharon Leighton and colleagues report on research into the types of mental health problems encountered by school nurses and explore school nurses’ training and supervision needs

When their mental health needs are not met, the consequences for young people’s academic achievement, employment opportunities, social and economic status and the mental health of society as a whole may be grave. Although there are isolated excellent examples of good practice, services generally lack consistency and resources. School nurses may be best placed among healthcare personnel who have responsibilities for young people to recognise the early signs of mental ill health and initiate appropriate interventions.