In the wake of the pandemic, a survey conducted by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Orygen Institute in Australia reveals a shared concern across generations in the UK regarding the deteriorating mental health of young people. Despite a consensus on the issue, generational differences emerge in attributing causes and proposing solutions.
Key Findings:
Divergent Views on Causes:
Baby Boomers lean towards attributing the rise in youth mental health problems to increased drug and alcohol use, while younger generations see the increased cost of living and worse economic prospects as more influential factors.
Perception of Past Mental Health:
Half of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers believe mental health problems were just as common among young people in the past, but not identified as such—contrasting with four in 10 Gen Z respondents who share this perspective.
Resilience and Mental Health:
Baby Boomers and Gen X are more likely to view today’s youth as less resilient, with a belief that this contributes to increased mental health problems. This perspective is less prevalent among Millennials and Gen Z.
Social Media’s Impact:
A majority across generations, with Baby Boomers notably standing out, attribute worsening youth mental health to increased use of social media. Generational differences also exist in the perceived effects of social media on young people’s health.
Public Sentiment:
Pessimistic Outlook on Youth Wellbeing:
Across generations, majorities feel that various aspects of life are worse for today’s youth, including mental health, level of worry, future prospects, and job opportunities.
Generational Divide on Economic Challenges:
Young people under 30 perceive a tougher economic landscape compared to older generations, with 78% expressing difficulties in affording things.
Divergence on Causes of Mental Health Increase:
While 45% believe mental health disorders among 17 to 19-year-olds have increased, opinions diverge on the causes, with some attributing it to better identification and others citing real increases in the proportion of affected young people.
Views on Social Media and Mental Health:
Negative Impact of Social Media:
A substantial majority (67%) of the UK public believes that social media and smartphones have a negative impact on young people’s mental health.
Generational Differences in Views:
Younger generations have a more favorable view of social media, with 51% of Gen Z feeling its negative impact, compared to 70% or more in older generations.
Policy Preferences:
Immediate Action on Mental Health:
The public prioritizes more mental health services, zero-tolerance policies on bullying, and holding social media companies accountable over policies focused on longer-term structural drivers.
Generational Discord on Causes:
While older generations emphasize tackling drug and alcohol use, younger generations prioritize addressing the cost of living and economic challenges.
In conclusion, the survey reveals a shared concern for youth mental health across generations, with nuanced differences in attributing causes and proposing solutions. This insight emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that consider diverse perspectives and prioritize immediate actions to support young people’s mental health.
