Today’s children are growing up in an “unprecedented toxic climate” of stress and pressure.
According to research by the charity YoungMinds, out of the 2,000 11 to 25-year-olds it surveyed, half of them believed they’d be a failure if they did not achieve good grades.
In addition, half had been bullied and one-third admitted they wouldn’t know where to turn if they were struggling with anxiety or depression.
Lucie Russell, YoungMinds campaigns director, said: “Young people tell us they experience a continuous onslaught of stress at school, bullying, sexual pressures and bleak employment prospects.
“We are sitting on a mental health time bomb.”
The charity has now launched a new campaign called YoungMinds Vs, which will fight to see children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing improved. It will focus on combatting and managing issues such as bullying, sexual pressures, school stress, unemployment and lack of access to help.
Frankie Sanford, from the pop group The Saturdays, has lent her support to the initiative, stating the importance of raising awareness of good mental health – including having access to help and support where necessary.