The number of children referred for mental health treatment by their schools has risen by more than a third in the past three years, figures have revealed.

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness week and these figures from the NSPCC provide a startling look at how different age groups cope with modern life.

A total of 34,757 referrals for specialist support were made by schools in 2017-18, which is the equivalent of 183 every school day.

More than half (56%) of the referrals came from primary schools, where children are under the age of 11, the research found.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the charity, said: "Our research shows schools are increasingly referring children for specialist mental health treatment, often when the child is at crisis point.”

The statistics also revealed that nearly a third (31%) of those referred to NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were declined specialist treatment.

But is this a case of mental health or is it to do with how children are brought up today in 2018?

With a host of social media sites to make them feel inadequate, is this about how the parents are bringing their child up as opposed to actual mental health issues?

The NSPCC warned increased demand for services was placing the system under pressure and jeopardising the well-being of thousands of children.

It has called for more funding for its Childline service to help relieve some of the pressure.

The NSPCC's data, released under the freedom of information act, covers 53 of the 66 health trusts known to provide mental health support to children.