Young people aren't snowflakes - mental distress is rising, says head of official review
An independent review led by Prof Peter Fonagy argues that rising mental health issues among young people are due to genuine societal pressures rather than a 'snowflake' mentality. The report highlights the impact of economic uncertainty and social media on youth well-being.
Why it matters
The findings are expected to influence government policy regarding NHS mental health services and support systems for young people.
Image source, Getty Images By Nick Triggle , Health correspondent , Catherine Burns , Health correspondent and Vicki Loader , Health producer Published 15 minutes ago Accusations that the young are a snowflake generation are wrong, the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism has told the BBC.
In an exclusive interview, Prof Peter Fonagy says there has been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders the most common.
He says it is "harder to be young" now given the economic and employment uncertainty they face coupled with the challenges presented by social media.
The review was ordered nine months ago by Wes Streeting after the then-health secretary claimed in an interview that young people were over-diagnosed and "written off".
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