We speak to music producer Toby Harris of 100 Percent Records who gives us an insight into how music is helping children with their mental health.
Children today are facing pressures that past generations never knew. From school tests to social media, they are growing up in a world that rarely switches off. It is no surprise that more children report feeling anxious, stressed, or low in mood.
This is where music comes in. Music is not just background noise or a hobby. For many young people, it is a lifeline. It calms their minds, lifts their spirits, and gives them a voice when words feel too hard to find. Studies show that children who take part in music are more resilient and better able to cope with life’s challenges.
Here are five ways music is helping children’s mental health today.
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Using Music As a Tool for Calm
Toby Harris: The fast pace of modern life often leaves children feeling tense and restless. Music slows everything down. Gentle songs reduce stress hormones in the body and help the heart beat at a steadier rate.
Listening to a favourite tune after a stressful school day can instantly bring comfort. This small act of listening teaches children that they can manage their feelings in healthy ways. That sense of calm is essential for better mental wellbeing.
Using Music As a Way to Express Feelings
Toby Harris: Children are not always ready to talk about what is happening inside their minds. Music gives them another outlet. Whether they are singing, writing lyrics, or strumming a guitar, they can put emotions into sound.
One survey found that 85% of children involved in music felt more able to express themselves. For a child who feels isolated or misunderstood, this can make all the difference. Music helps them turn difficult emotions into something meaningful.
Building Connection Through Music
Toby Harris: Good mental health is tied to feeling connected to others. Music naturally brings people together. Choirs, school bands, or simply sharing playlists with friends create bonds that fight off loneliness.
Research shows that children in group music activities report 30% higher social confidence. When children feel part of something bigger, their sense of belonging grows. That sense of community is a strong shield against poor mental health.
Creating Confidence Through Achievement
Toby Harris: Learning music takes time and focus, and every small step forward boosts confidence. A child who finally plays a song through or performs in front of others feels a huge sense of pride.
This confidence carries into other areas of life. Children who believe in their ability to achieve are more resilient when facing challenges. Music builds both patience and self-worth, two key ingredients for mental health.
Using Music For Joy and Motivation
Toby Harris: Perhaps the greatest gift of music is joy. A favourite upbeat track can lift a child’s mood instantly, helping the brain release chemicals linked to happiness.
Music also gives energy. Many children say that songs help them get through homework, chores, or even difficult mornings. This spark of motivation helps them keep moving forward, even on tough days.
Conclusion
Music today is more than a pastime for children. It is a source of calm, a safe way to express feelings, a bridge to friendships, a builder of confidence, and a provider of joy.
At a time when mental health problems in children are rising, music is not optional. It is essential. Through listening, creating, and sharing, young people are finding strength, healing, and hope in the power of music.
For more information, follow Toby Saul Harris of 100% Records on Linkedin
