Agenda item

1. Dr Ellen Schwartz introduced the report, outlining an update on the impact of the implementation of the Botulin Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021. It provided an overview of the enforcement activity undertaken, which included checks on compliance with the legislation, through this some weaknesses were identified which led to the development of a local campaign.

2. The Act had not yet been implemented for a sufficient amount of time to determine whether it had an impact in Kent on mental health.

3. In response to comments and questions, it was said:
   1. A Member expressed concern at the levels of young people suffering with a probable mental disorder and questioned the root cause of adolescent mental health and body dysmorphia and whether there was anything that could be done to tackle it.

                                               i.     Dr Schwartz said that non-surgical interventions were the tip of the iceberg of the underlying mental health challenges that could be observed within young people. Colleagues in Public Health were researching into parent-infant relationships and support to children at the earliest opportunity.

                                              ii.     Natalie Reeves added that the results of health needs assessments undertaken by young people had shown that COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown had an impact on their mental health and social abilities, and that there was work to be done on this.

                                            iii.     Mr Watkins added that the rise in use of social media and technology had coincided with a negative trend in regard to young people’s mental health and an increase in disorders such as body dysmorphia. 

                                            iv.     The Chair shared that he had attended a smartphone free event and raised the idea of restricting young people’s access to smartphones.

4. A Member suggested involving the KCC Youth County Council to assess the impact of technology on young people. They requested an update on the data within the report, asked how to encourage engagement from more providers and questioned what plans were in place for more challenge 25 checks from Trading Standards. They also questioned whether Public Health could provide guidance to providers to ensure questions are asked around mental health prior to procedures.
   1. Mr Watkins noted the idea of taking this issue to the KCC Youth County Council.
   2. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston added that Public Health had worked with Trading Standards to prevent providers from offering cosmetic procedures to those who were underage.

5. Members highlighted the importance of the Children and Young People Directorate working with Public Health to ensure young people’s mental health was addressed in the most holistic way possible.

6. A Member questioned whether a campaign could be organised to promote a healthy body image. Additionally, addressing the hopelessness some young people felt in regard to climate change which would negatively affect their mental health. Mr Watkins shared that there were budgets within Public Health for marketing campaigns, and whilst there was not a campaign focusing on body dysmorphia at the moment, he would assess what was possible with the marketing team.

7. A Member noted the impact that the fear associated with climate change can have on young people’s mental health. Young people could be given hope through an emphasis on how we can adapt to climate change, KCC could work with district councils to try and alleviate the stress around climate change on residents.

8. RESOLVED that the Committee note the content of the report.