Introduction

There have been multiple reports across Western countries that mental health of children and young people (CYP) has been declining, whilst other indicators have been improving, such as rates of smoking or drinking. In order to better understand these changes, we examine trends of mental health problems and behaviour in 10-15 year olds since 2009, and identify the groups that are mostly affected over time.

Methods

A wide range of measures were used to examine changes to the lives of 10-15-years-olds in the UK including mental health problems (emotional, hyperactivity and conduct measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), substance use, dietary and physical activity, social media use, importance of school exams, relationship with parents, antisocial behaviours and worries over safety. Weighted logistic regression models with per participant random intercepts and standard errors clustered to households were fitted to examine overall and by subgroups trends of mental health problems. Weighted binomial GLM models, adjusted for socio-demographics, estimated the rate ratio of prevalence of behavioural measures in the latest vs earliest wave of data collection.

Results

Between 2009 and 2022 the prevalence of CYP with emotional problems more than doubled and hyperactivity problems also raised, whereas conduct problems declined. The increase in emotional problems was greater for girls and CYP from White ethnic backgrounds. Over time, alcohol, smoking (but not e-smoking/vaping) decreases, as did engagement in physical activity (playing sports). While weekly consumption of fast-food increased, vegetables and fruits eating also increased. Arguments with parents, physically bullying others at school and staying out late without parental knowledge dropped, whereas peer problems increased.

Discussion

This study highlights significant changes in psychological and behavioural domains of adolescents over a relatively short time period. These changes are heterogeneous, and may provide vital important information in our understanding of children and young people’s lives.

Co-authors

Dr Matthias Pierce; Dr Ola Demkowicz; Dr Yushi Bai; Professor Kathryn Abel, University of Manchester;

Dr Praveetha Patalay , University College London