Pupils who suffer from poor mental health will be offered specialist help at school, following news that as many as one in four girls have symptoms of depression by the time they hit 14.

The scheme, which will be piloted in schools across Wales, is part of the Government’s ongoing campaign to tackle the mental health endemic.

It will see NHS staff on hand to give better mental health support and help spot problems early and ensure a child has the right care.

According to recent statistics, there were around 19,000 referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Wales in the 12 months to October 2016. This is a 3,000 rise compares to the year previous.

But critics say around a third of referrals are inappropriate, and children should be directed to the right services.

Experts say bullying, particularly online and on social media, is partially to blame for the rise in cases of young mental health.

Some children also feel under pressure to do well in exams, they said.

Carol Phillips, student support and child protection officer at a school in Wales, said she had noticed a big change over the years.

“In today’s society for young people they are faced with so many challenges,” she told the BBC.

“I think social media has had a major impact on how this generation are.

“They live their lives online, often skewing what’s reality and what’s not reality, and with that comes many problems.”

Announcing the pilot, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “One in four people in Wales will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.

“Getting the right treatment at an early stage, coupled with greater awareness of conditions, can in many cases prevent long term adverse impacts.

“This will ensure children, teachers and others charged with caring for children in our schools, receive support to promote good emotional and mental health.”