50% increase in mental health issues
According to a study conducted by psychologists at the University of Cambridge in England on more than 84,000 people, there has been a 50% increase in mental health problems among 5- to 16-year-olds between 2017 and 2021.
Girls are generally more affected than boys, as they spend more time on social media and are sensitive to the beauty standards promoted there, at a key age (11-13) when many of them say they are dissatisfied with their appearance and their lives. Among boys, this trend tends to manifest itself around the age of 14-15.
According to Santé Publique France, many adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 even develop mood disorders, suicidal thoughts or act on them. Added to this is the lack of resources and structures to accommodate and deal with the distress of young people.
In light of the harmful effects that social media can have on young people's mental health, Ombudsman Claire Hédon requested a meeting with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to establish an emergency plan to promote young people's mental health.
