Requests from parents about common ailments are commonplace in pharmacy. But how often do families talk to you about mental health? This may be something that families don't engage with very effectively: it can be a sensitive and difficult topic to discuss.

This month's article looks at the pressures youngsters face and where help can be found. The pharmacy team can play an important role in helping to spot stress and anxiety in youngsters not only from things parents may say, but also from the youngsters themselves. What do you observe about the children's behaviour and their communication with one another (and their smartphones)? Who walks home alone when last week they were with friends? Any signs of bullying or other stress? Do the children seem happy €“ whether they are walking with other children or adults?

For this session, use the preceding article on child health, as well as other sources of information, to give you insight and information to pass on to your customers. Take time to think about building healthy lifestyles in children. The health of children is vital to their future health as adults so it is important to try to promote good health.

In order to make this training and discussion useful and relevant to your work, consider the following:

• Within your team, share your own childhood experiences or those of your children that could help the team's interactions with families
• Do you work with young people €“ for example, in a local youth group or school? Do you have any insight to share that could help the team communicate with families?
• What are the factors that make a child depressed?  Watch 'Health Today Radio: child mental health'
• Exercise, physical activity and spending time outdoors can be useful ways to maintain good mental health. Have a look at: NHS Choices €“ Physical activity guidelines for children and young people and the short film clip on 'Active Ways to Get to School'. What are the mental health benefits described by the children in this film? What is good about this activity in addition to the benefits to mental health?
• Sleep is important for mental health. How much sleep do children need at different stages (from 0-16 years)? What tips could you pass on to families to help children get enough sleep?