Adolescents across Europe, Central Asia and Canada say they face rising school pressure and diminishing support from families and friends. This comes up in a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey.
The data encompasses responses from nearly 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15. It highlights a troubling decline in support levels. There is also increasing school-related stress. The findings underscore an urgent need for action to create safer, more supportive environments for adolescents.
DECLINE IN FAMILY AND PEER SUPPORT ACROSS REGIONS
The survey data points to an alarming drop in support systems. Only 68% of adolescents reported strong family support, a marked decrease from 73% in 2018. Similarly, peer support has fallen, especially among girls, with levels dropping from 61% to 58%. Adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more affected, consistently reporting lower levels of support from both family and friends.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stresses the importance of building inclusive environments where adolescents can thrive emotionally and mentally. According to Dr. Irene García-Moya, fostering nurturing spaces within schools is essential to improve students’ well-being. Additionally, Dr. Natasha Azzopardi Muscat highlights the need to address the widening gender gap in support systems.
WORSENING SCHOOL PRESSURE, ESPECIALLY AMONG GIRLS
School-related stress has surged since 2018, with 15-year-old girls most affected. In 2022, 63% of adolescent girls reported feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, a significant increase from 54% just four years prior. In comparison, school pressure on boys rose slightly, from 40% to 43%. This disparity in pressure levels places adolescent girls at a higher risk for mental health challenges.
SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITY IMPACTS ADOLESCENT SUPPORT
Adolescents from lower-affluence families face more significant challenges in accessing supportive social environments. Data shows they experience:
- Lower family support (62% vs. 71% in higher-income families).
- Reduced peer support (53% vs. 62%).
- Fewer family meals, impacting family bonding.
- Increased difficulties communicating with parents.
These socioeconomic disparities influence health outcomes, particularly affecting adolescents’ emotional and mental well-being.
THE GENDER GAP IN SUPPORT AND PRESSURE
A striking gender gap exists in support and pressure levels. Boys generally report higher family support. They find communication with parents easier. Girls report more peer support. However, they face higher school pressure and less support from teachers. This combination puts adolescent girls at greater risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes.
URGENT CALL FOR MULTI-SECTORAL ACTION
WHO emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral action to address these findings. The report recommends:
- Strengthening family-focused policies to improve support systems.
- Creating inclusive school environments that reduce academic pressures.
- Implementing community-based interventions to address socioeconomic disparities.
- Promoting gender-sensitive interventions to address unique challenges faced by adolescent girls.
- Developing post-pandemic recovery programs tailored for adolescents.
