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Children aged 4-12 years with emotional or behavioural problems in the past six months, as reported by parents or carers, NSW, 2001 (per cent of parents or carers)

Note: Table based on 6,503 respondents. The question "During the past 6 months, do you think that [child] has had any emotional or behavioural problems?" was asked of parents or carers.

Source: NSW Child Health Survey 2001. Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health (unpublished data).

Comment

In 2001almost one-third (30.9%) of parents or carers reported their 4 to 12 year old had an emotional or behavioural problem in the past six months.

Emotional or behavioural problems were reported more frequently for males than females (34.6% and 27.1% respectively). The reported prevalence of emotional or behavioural problems generally increased with age:

• 17.6% of 4 year olds
• 31.5% of 8 year olds
• 38.6% of 12 year olds.

The biggest change in emotional and behavioural problems appears to be associated with 5 year olds, with an approximately 80% increase in such problems at that time, followed by some downward adjustment at 6 years.

Subsequent age trends are more consistent for males than females, with females showing substantial variation in emotional wellbeing in the later years, but typically at lower rates than for males.