Introduction
A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the declining family and peer support for adolescents, especially girls, amid increasing school pressure. The report calls for urgent action to improve social environments and reduce stress to support adolescent mental health.
Decline in Family Support
The report reveals that family support for adolescents has dropped from 73% in 2018 to 67% in 2022. The decline is more pronounced among girls, with support dropping from 72% to 64%. This lack of support is contributing to increased stress and mental health issues among adolescents.
Rising School Pressure
School pressure has intensified, with 63% of 15-year-old girls reporting stress from schoolwork, up from 54% in 2018. For boys, the figure rose from 40% to 43%. The report highlights the need for governments and schools to take action to reduce class sizes, integrate social-emotional learning into curricula, and balance homework policies.
Gender Disparities
The report points out significant gender disparities, with girls facing competing expectations of academic excellence and traditional social roles. Boys, on the other hand, face societal pressures to appear self-reliant, often discouraging them from seeking help. Peer support has also declined, falling from 61% to 58%, with girls experiencing the sharpest drop.
Call for Action
WHO Europe urges governments and schools to take action to address these challenges. Recommendations include reducing class sizes, integrating social-emotional learning into curricula, and balancing homework policies. Schools should also implement mentorship programs and provide regular check-ins between students and teachers.
Conclusion
The WHO report serves as a wake-up call to improve the conditions in which adolescents are growing up. By addressing the decline in family support and rising school pressure, governments and schools can create more inclusive and supportive environments for young people.
