Responding to NICE consultation on digital cognitive behaviour therapy, RCN Professional Lead for Children and Young People, Fiona Smith, said:
“Tackling depression and mental health at the earliest possible stage is vitally important. We know that technology can play a vital role in engaging with young people and the recommendations are a welcome step.
“Such technology, however, should not be seen as a way of filling in for the damaging cuts to the part of the nursing workforce that works directly with children and their families, including mental health nurses and those who work with children and young people to improve their health.
“School and mental health nurses working with children and young people have the personal contact that digital platforms cannot provide and it is important the findings from this consultation are properly analysed to ensure those working with children and young people can provide the best possible targeted care.”
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