While elements of these pressures have always been there for young people, especially for adolescents, I believe that in recent times these pressures have increased exponentially due to our 24/7, online, always-connected culture.
Bullying, sexual pressures, academic pressure, fear of unemployment, body image, anxiety, depression, self-harm – the mental health of our young people is under sustained attack.
While elements of these pressures have always been there for young people, especially for adolescents, I believe that in recent times these pressures have increased exponentially due to our 24/7, online, always-connected culture.
The charity YoungMinds has labelled this phenomenon an "unprecedented toxic climate" of stress, pressure and fear of failure. They are clear – 850,000 children (three in every classroom) has a diagnosable mental health problem. One in 12 young adults self-harm. Nearly 80,000 children and young people suffer from severe depression.
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