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Young People Aren't Snowflakes, Says Mental Health Expert
21 Sep
Summary
- Mental distress in young people is rising, with anxiety and depression common.
- Economic uncertainty and social media make it harder to be young.
- Expert dismisses 'snowflake generation' claims, praises youth resilience.
A leading mental health expert has refuted the notion that young people are a 'snowflake generation.' Prof Peter Fonagy, heading an independent review into youth mental health, stated that there is a genuine increase in distress, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders among children and adolescents. He emphasized that current economic and employment uncertainties, combined with the pervasive influence of social media, create a more challenging environment for young people today.
Fonagy's review, commissioned nine months ago, is expected to inform government policies on services and support for young people. He chose to speak out ahead of the review's publication to ensure the broader mental health crisis isn't overshadowed by debates on ADHD and autism. The expert, who personally experienced mental health struggles as a teenager, expressed admiration for how young people have adapted to difficult circumstances, asserting that adults have fallen short in supporting them.
