"Global Crisis: The Alarming Decline in Children's Mental Health"
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that adolescents aged 10-19 account for 13% of the global mental health burden. These formative years expose young people to significant physical and social changes, creating considerable stress on their mental well-being.
WHO notes that adolescents with mental health conditions face increased risks of social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (which can deter seeking help), academic struggles, risk-taking behaviours, physical health issues, and human rights violations.
Beyond media influence and gender disparity, other contributing risk factors include peer pressure and high academic expectations from parents. This highlights that children and adolescents face mental health risks similar to those experienced by adults and require appropriate care and support to address these challenges.