Depressed children
Thursday, 24 Apr 2008 11:01
Teenagers report depressed feelings and peer pressure
Campaigners have said mental health and wellbeing in the young must be addressed as a survey reveals a number of problems in the UK.
Published by The Children's Society as part of its ongoing Good Childhood Inquiry, the poll found that more than a quarter of children aged 14 to 16 say they often feel depressed.
A separate online vote by CBBC Newsround released with the study revealed that 22 per cent said they felt bad or really bad about their health.
Many also expressed feeling under pressure to look good and 70 per cent said they dieted some or all of the time.
The Children's Society also uncovered adults' concern about children's mental health and wellbeing.
Just one in ten adults said they felt children nowadays are happier compared to when they were growing up.
When asked what has the most negative impact on children's wellbeing generally, adults rated family breakdown and conflict (29 per cent) and peer pressure (23 per cent) highly.
Mental health and children's campaigners say the surveys show the pressing need to address mental health and wellbeing issues in the young.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.