Jump directly to the content
TEENAGE BLUES

One in four British girls hit by depression at 14 as experts blame increase in cyber bullying and academic pressure

The number of female teens suffering from mental health problems has doubled in the past 12 years

 

ONE in four girls aged 14 has depression, a shock study reveals today.

That is double the one in eight suffering at a similar age 12 years ago.

A study revealed one in four teenage girls is affected by mental health issues
3
A study revealed one in four teenage girls is affected by mental health issuesCredit: Getty - Contributor
Experts believe a rise in pressure from social media has contributed to the increase in the number of depressed girls
3
Experts believe a rise in pressure from social media has contributed to the increase in the number of depressed girlsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Experts blame a rise in cyber bullies, social media pressures and academic fears.

Anna Feuchtwang, head of the National Children’s Bureau charity which helped produce the report said: “It’s reaching crisis point.”

Fewer than one in ten boys suffer at 14, a survey of 10,000 revealed.

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Dr Bernadka Dubicka said: “While most mental problems have remained stable, anxiety and depression in young women has soared since 2010.” NCB’s Debbie Moss said: “Maybe girls experience the world differently or are more aware of mental health and find it more acceptable to discuss.

“When we were at school, you left bullies and appearance pressures at the school gate. But you can’t do that any more as everyone uses social media.”

Many girls keep their struggles to themselves rather than speaking to their parents
3
Many girls keep their struggles to themselves rather than speaking to their parents

Both sexes have similar levels of emotional woes as kids, the survey found. But girls’ depression soars in adolescence. Half of all adult mental illnesses start at 14. Poorer kids are more at risk.

And many parents know nothing of kids’ struggles, especially girls, researchers from University College London, Liverpool University and the NCB said.

NHS England’s Claire Murdoch said: “It’s critical all services play a part in spotting problems early and offering solutions.”

Topics