UK survey reveals differing views on causes and solutions to rising youth mental health issues

A recent survey highlights broad agreement across UK generations—baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—that youth mental health has declined. However, the reasons attributed to this decline reveal generational divides. Conducted by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and Australia’s Orygen Institute, the study involved 2,516 adults and examined differing views on mental health challenges facing today’s youth.

While a majority across all age groups agree that youth mental health is worse today, baby boomers are more inclined to point to increased drug and alcohol use, whereas younger generations emphasise economic pressures and the cost of living. Baby boomers (17%) and Gen X (18%) are also more likely to attribute the rise to a perceived lack of resilience among youth compared to Gen Z (9%).

About half of millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers believe mental health issues existed in past generations but went unrecognised. In contrast, only four in 10 Gen Z respondents share this belief. Professor Bobby Duffy from King’s College notes that while generational stereotypes often drive debate, the survey demonstrates a general consensus on the severity of youth mental health issues.

In terms of perceived causes, social media emerges as a prominent factor, with 65% of the UK public citing its influence, though fewer Gen Z respondents (51%) share this concern compared to older generations. Baby boomers (50%) stand out in attributing mental health decline to drugs and alcohol, a view far less common among millennials (21%) and Gen Z (20%).

The survey also reveals differing views on economic factors. Around half of Gen Z (49%) and millennials (50%) cite the rising cost of living as a key issue, in stark contrast to baby boomers (25%). Similarly, one-third of Gen Z (36%) and millennials (36%) blame worsening economic prospects, compared to about a quarter of baby boomers and Gen X.

While most agree on social media’s negative impact, opinions vary on solutions. Respondents largely favour more mental health services (34%), anti-bullying policies (31%), and holding social media companies accountable (29%). However, fewer prioritise tackling structural issues such as racism, sexism, or youth employment (13%).

Professor Duffy highlighted the persistence of generational stereotypes, noting that despite declines in alcohol consumption and no major drug-use spikes, older generations often generalise from high-profile instances of risky behaviour. This survey underscores both shared concerns and differing perceptions, emphasising the need for targeted and multifaceted approaches to youth mental health.