The Conversation – Kayleigh Chester, Ellen Klemera, and Fiona Brooks
“We have seen a dramatic change in health trends for young people in the last ten years. Across most wealthy countries, such as the UK, Australia and Canada, young people’s participation in health risk behaviours such as regular alcohol consumption and getting drunk has declined. In many ways this can be attributed to successful policy interventions. However, against this backdrop of largely positive trends in health risks, concern over young people’s mental health has also grown. Worldwide, it is thought that between 10-20% of young people experience mental health disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all mental health illnesses start in childhood (before 14 years), rising to 75% by mid-20s. WHO not only highlights the extent of this mental health issue but also the significant impact of poor mental health on young people’s future life chances.” (more)