Highlights in child mental health research: December 2025 to January 2026

What’s new in child mental health research? The highlights for December 2025 to January 2026 include:

Hearing babies’ voices through participatory arts

This study explored how participatory arts can support babies’ right to be heard. Researchers observed seven arts sessions (interactive music, movement and sensory-based creative sessions) with babies from birth to three years, their caregivers and artists in Scotland. They found that flexible, welcoming spaces allowed babies to express preferences through movement, sound and interaction. Babies shaped how sessions unfolded. The study highlights the importance of adults listening carefully, slowing down and responding to babies’ non‑verbal communication. >>> Read full summary

A systematic review of swimming and aquatic therapy for mental health

This systematic review examined evidence from 16 studies published between 2010 and 2025 that explored swimming and water‑based activities and mental health outcomes for people aged three to 25 years. The review found participants in these activities experienced consistent improvements in wellbeing, mood and confidence as well as reductions in anxiety, depression and stress. Benefits varied by age and setting, with structured pool programs supporting younger people and open‑water swimming benefiting older youth. >>> Read full summary

Online abuse and mental health in young people

This study examined links between online abuse and mental health by analysing longitudinal data from 2,232 young people who were followed from childhood to age 18 years. One in five young people experienced moderate to severe online abuse, usually alongside offline victimisation. Online abuse was linked to poorer mental health, but most associations were explained by offline abuse. After accounting for these factors, online abuse remained linked to generalised anxiety. >>> Read full summary

Risky outdoor play and adventure education in nature for child and adolescent wellbeing

This scoping review examined 40 studies published between 2015 and 2025 that explored risky outdoor play and adventure activities in nature for children and adolescents. All studies reported positive links with wellbeing, including greater confidence, resilience and social skills as well as reduced anxiety. Benefits were strongest when young people had a choice of activities and responsibility. Despite this, opportunities for participation in such activities are commonly limited due to adult concerns about risk. >>> Read full summary

How refugee children and adolescents understand trauma and belonging

This review synthesised findings from 24 qualitative studies involving 870 refugee children and adolescents aged three to 19 years. It found that many young people experienced ongoing emotional distress but were hesitant to discuss their mental health due to fears about stigma. Young refugees often felt marked by their refugee status, reporting discrimination, social exclusion and anxiety about safety, education and their future. They also held a strong desire to belong, but this was frequently frustrated by separation from family, fear of deportation and experiences of racism or bullying. Family, relationships, religious practices and cultural continuity were commonly described as important coping strategies. Gender differences were clear, with girls facing heightened safety risks, pressure about early marriage and restricted freedom, while boys’ concerns focused more on employment and financial security. >>> Read full summary