Are our YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK?
Woman & Home UK|March 2023
Lockdown and social media exposure have created mental health problems for many youngsters
LOUISE COURT
Are our YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK?

When the inquest into 14-year-old Molly Russell’s death cited that unsafe online content had contributed ‘in a more than minimal way’, many parents’ stomachs lurched, looking at their children endlessly scrolling away. Senior coroner Andrew Walker said material promoting self-harm that he’d viewed on social media ‘shouldn’t have been available for a child to see’. He said, ‘She died from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content.’

While the pressures of social media are an acknowledged battle for young people, two years of lockdowns have also taken a heavy toll. According to mental health charity Young Minds, 83% of young people with mental health needs felt the pandemic had made their situations worse. The result is that it’s be the parent of a young person. Talking to mums of teenagers and young adults, it is sadly common to hear stories of self-harm, eating disorders, serious stress and anxiety. As we wait to see if the Online Safety Bill will protect us from harmful content, we ask how has this vibrant and talented generation ended up feeling so pressured, depressed and lost?

A perfect storm 

Transitioning from a child to adulthood has never been easy. But today, our kids that were never on the radar when we were negotiating our own journeys.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2023 من Woman & Home UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2023 من Woman & Home UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من WOMAN & HOME UK مشاهدة الكل
15 Ways to Improve Your Memory - Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks
Woman & Home UK

15 Ways to Improve Your Memory - Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks

Hunting for your reading glasses only to realise they’re already on your head is frustrating, and we’ve all marched purposefully from one room to another – instantly forgetting why we’re there. Maybe you’re forever losing your keys or get embarrassed when you can’t remember people’s names? Memory lapse is common with age – decline can start from as early as 45 years*, while almost 40%** of people over 65 will notice some form of forgetfulness.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
How Healthy is Your Gut? - This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
Woman & Home UK

How Healthy is Your Gut? - This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition

The microbiome will be host to both good and harmful bacteria, and the swing in favour of one or the other can influence whether or not you fall victim to conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease and other inflammatory disorders or hormonal issues. These include polycystic ovary syndrome and high cholesterol, as well as what we might consider more common ailments like digestive issues, mood swings, constipation, migraines and general lethargy. The power that a healthy gut can wield over our wellbeing is enormous. And just like no two fingerprints are the same, no two microbiomes are the same.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Cancer Was Just a Job Until it Happened to Me - Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Woman & Home UK

Cancer Was Just a Job Until it Happened to Me - Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient

Working as a consultant breast surgeon, it was my responsibility to tell around 10 women a week that they had cancer. It was an emotionally intense job and could feel like you’re being paid to break women. As a clinician, you have to develop a sense of detachment, otherwise you’ll crumble, but this wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, particularly after seeing young women, I’d cry in the toilets. There’s no counselling and very little training for breaking bad news. It’s just part of the job – until it happens to you.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
I Look Forward to Being a Very Elderly, Eccentric Woman' - Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Woman & Home UK

I Look Forward to Being a Very Elderly, Eccentric Woman' - Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra

Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra+ Katherine Ryan's tour Battleaxe is coming to venues across the UK from September. Book now at livenation.co.uk

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
'My Marriage is Definitely Not Over!' - As she approaches her 10th year on television, Nadiya Hussain opens up about racist threats to her life, her untapped dream of becoming a teacher and why rumours of marital demise are rubbish
Woman & Home UK

'My Marriage is Definitely Not Over!' - As she approaches her 10th year on television, Nadiya Hussain opens up about racist threats to her life, her untapped dream of becoming a teacher and why rumours of marital demise are rubbish

Nadiya Hussain cover shoots bring sunshine – meteorologically and metaphorically. It’s a scorching June day in north London when we gather to celebrate the publication of her ninth cookbook, Cook Once, Eat Twice. As the title suggests, she’s helping the nation save time and pennies through meal-stretching recipes that savvily spin leftovers.And sweetly, it was the celebrity cook and author’s eldest son Musa’s plans to leave the family home in Milton Keynes to go off to university that inspired it.‘As soon as he started to talk about uni, I thought, “This will be the book that he’ll want to take with him to help him be more mindful of how he cooks, how he eats, how he saves, how to be frugal and how to use up leftovers – how to be smart in the kitchen,”’ explains Nadiya, 39, adding that the previous night her trusty sardine arrabbiata sparked an outpouring of gratitude from her firstborn.

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
A New Normal - The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
Woman & Home UK

A New Normal - The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list

The Princess of Wales has always felt the pressure. Marrying into the most famous family in the world has been far from easy, but capable Catherine seemed to take it in her stride.Though the glamorous carapace, whether decked in Alexander McQueen or Zara, has hidden a more anxious young woman who didn't want to put a foot wrong. This past year has arguably been the toughest of Catherine's life - dealing with major abdominal surgery followed by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. But it has also given her the time to reprioritise and reassess what really matters.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Woman & Home UK

'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'

Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
Woman & Home UK

Freewheeling in TUSCANY

A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Nostalgic BAKES
Woman & Home UK

Nostalgic BAKES

Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Lighter DINNERS
Woman & Home UK

Lighter DINNERS

Big on flavour and easy on the calories

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024