Those of you with teenagers or who work with teenagers will find this new research of interest.
New research from the Mental Health Foundation finds that teenagers’ mental health is under severe pressure as the pandemic continues
Nationally representative data based on a survey of 2,395 British teenagers aged 13 – 19:
• 27 per cent of British teenagers surveyed said they felt ‘nervous, anxious or on edge’ most or nearly all the days of the previous fortnight.
• 27 per cent of British teenagers surveyed said they felt ‘easily annoyed or irritable’ most or nearly all the days of the previous fortnight.
• 26 per cent of British teenagers surveyed said they had had trouble concentrating on things like schoolwork, reading and watching TV, most or nearly all the days of the previous fortnight.
• 32 per cent of British teenagers surveyed said they had trouble with sleep most or nearly all the days of the previous fortnight.
• Teenagers whose parents are unemployed are dramatically more likely to report these experiences, which are symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Teenagers whose parents are in ‘social grades’ C2DE are also significantly more likely to report having symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Across all teenagers surveyed, their rating of their own mental health has worsened, over the course of the pandemic. “We also observe that many young people are finding it difficult to maintain the motivation to do schoolwork. This is exacerbated by a loss of social networks and increased social isolation.”
Young people’s mental health was worsening before the pandemic – what an impact will this have for their future?
More info: https://bit.ly/2LuHr8T
