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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Young people's mental distress is real, according to the head of a new review in the UK

Episode 260930 / 30 Sep 2026

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The story

An independent review into mental health has found a rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders among the most common issues.

Head of the review, Professor Peter Fonagy, says that accusations that young people are overly sensitive are wrong. He says it is now “harder to be young” due to challenges such as economic and employment uncertainty and problems caused by social media.

Some are unsure about the new data as some of the sources rely on self-reporting. There is also an argument which says that the higher mental distress numbers could be because of changing attitudes and greater awareness, so more people feel able to report their problems.

 

News headlines 

There is no ‘snowflake generation’ – it’s just harder to be young now, says author of mental health review 
The Independent

Young people have it tough, says charity boss
BBC News

Professor Peter Fonagy: How to help young people forge emotional resilience and wellbeing
Tatler

Click to download a worksheet.

Key words and phrases

snowflake
a slang term to describe someone seen as too sensitive or easily offended

  • When he said the joke was offensive, they called him a snowflake.

have it tough
experience difficult life circumstances

  • Single parents often have it tough, balancing childcare and work life by themselves.

forge
build something strong with hard work

  • He forged his career as an actor through hard work and determination.

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