Report highlights worrying decline in adolescents’ mental and physical health in England

The mental and physical health of those aged 11–15 years old is declining, with well-being falling especially among girls. Only 57% of young people met the survey’s criteria for high mood, and in contrast 19% were deemed at risk of depression. Nearly a quarter of young people reported feeling lonely in the past 12 months and loneliness was twice as prevalent among girls than boys.
Healthy eating habits were found to be declining, with only half of young people claiming to eat breakfast regularly and nearly a quarter never eating breakfast. Less than half of young people reported eating fruit and vegetables daily.
While physical activity had slightly increased among boys from 2018 to 2022, it remains low with only 21% meeting the WHO target for physical activity. The percentage of girls meeting the target remains at just 12%.