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

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.

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.”

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.”