As a parent, I want nothing more than for my children to grow into healthy, happy, purposeful human beings. Yet all around me – in classrooms, in conversation and in alarming statistics – I see many young people struggling rather than flourishing.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, where I live, the numbers paint a stark picture. Unicef ranks us lowest among 36 OECD and EU countries in child mental wellbeing. High levels of bullying and anxiety among young people are said to compound this picture, contributing to depression, school avoidance and isolation.
Global reports tell a similar story, with some economists describing youth happiness “in decline worldwide” .
Continue Reading on The Guardian
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.