New Report: Understanding the drivers of recent trends in young people’s mental health

A new report from The Youth Futures foundation highlights some key drivers in young people’s mental health

Over the past decade, mental ill health among young people has risen sharply, sparking widespread concern among health professionals, educators, policymakers, and families alike. Data shows us that this has also been a significant driver of increasing youth economic inactivity, contributing to the UK’s already persistent youth employment challenge.

Although there is growing recognition that poor mental health can be both a cause and consequence of youth unemployment, the underlying drivers of this crisis remain poorly understood and less well-evidenced. It’s therefore crucial that we better understand what is causing the increasing rates of youth mental health issues; because if we don’t, we can’t meaningfully design and invest in interventions that we know will work for young people and which they so desperately need.

Barry Fletcher, CEO Youth Futures Foundation. July 2025.

“Understanding drivers of recent trends in young people’s mental health”

Read the report: youthfuturesfoundation.org/Understanding-drivers-of-recent-trends-in-young-peoples-mental-health-July-2025

Advice for schools: Managing young people’s mental health

Schools are uniquely positioned to address the rising tide of mental health challenges among young people in England, particularly concerning the drivers identified by the 2025 Youth Futures Foundation report. By focusing on practical, evidence-based strategies, educational institutions can foster environments that promote well-being and resilience, and help support young people’s mental health.

Prioritising sleep quality:

The decline in sleep quality since 2010 is a major contributor to poor mental health, with robust evidence linking insufficient sleep to increased rates of depression and anxiety. Schools can implement several initiatives to support healthier sleep patterns. Educating students and parents about the importance of sleep hygiene, including consistent bedtimes, limiting screen time before sleep, and creating a conducive sleep environment, is crucial. This could involve workshops, informational leaflets, or dedicated PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons.

Schools might also consider flexible start times, where feasible, to better align with adolescent sleep cycles. For instance, a school in the West Midlands implemented a later start time of 9:30 AM for a trial period, reporting an average increase of 30 minutes in student sleep and a noticeable improvement in alertness and engagement during morning lessons.

Addressing Economic Stressors (Indirectly):

While schools cannot directly solve issues of employment precarity or affordability pressures, they can equip students with tools to navigate these challenges and alleviate associated anxieties. Financial literacy programs can empower young people with practical skills for budgeting, saving, and understanding economic landscapes. Career guidance should focus on developing adaptable skills and exploring diverse pathways, including vocational training and entrepreneurship, beyond traditional university routes. Providing access to information about local support services for families facing financial hardship can also reduce student stress.

Furthermore, schools can ensure that their own policies, such as uniform requirements or extracurricular activity costs, do not exacerbate financial burdens on families. For example, a recent survey found that in England, 1 in 5 parents reported struggling with school-related costs, leading to increased anxiety for both parents and children. Schools can review and simplify uniform policies or offer second-hand uniform schemes to reduce this pressure.

Navigating Social Media and Smartphone Use:

The widespread adoption of social media and smartphones has a documented, albeit small, negative impact on mental health. Schools can implement strategies to promote responsible digital citizenship. This includes explicit teaching on critical media literacy, helping students discern reliable information, understand the curated nature of online content, and recognize the signs of cyberbullying. Encouraging “digital detox” periods during the school day, such as designated no-phone zones or policies that require phones to be put away during lessons and breaks, can reduce constant connectivity.

Some schools have successfully trialled “phone-free” lunchtimes, reporting an increase in face-to-face interaction and a decrease in reported social anxiety among students. For instance, a secondary school in Manchester saw a 25% increase in students engaging in active play and conversation during lunch breaks after implementing a “no phones in common areas” policy.

Mitigating the Impact of Reduced Children and Youth Services:

The substantial 73% decline in funding for community children and youth services since 2010 has left a significant void. Schools can play a vital role in bridging this gap by expanding their in-house mental health support and fostering stronger community links. This means investing in school counsellors, mental health first aiders, and pastoral care teams. Developing robust referral pathways to external specialist services, even if fewer exist, is critical.

Furthermore, schools can actively create and promote extracurricular activities and clubs that offer social interaction, skill development, and a sense of belonging – functions previously provided by community youth centres. Partnering with local charities or volunteer organizations to offer after-school programs can also help. For example, a primary school in Bristol collaborated with a local sports charity to offer free after-school sports clubs, benefiting over 100 students who previously had limited access to such activities outside school.

By proactively addressing these key drivers through targeted and practical interventions, schools can significantly contribute to improving the mental well-being of young people across England, creating a more supportive and resilient generation.

Get more support to help manage young people’s mental health at your setting with AMHIE.

AMHIE can support you and your team with managing mental health at your setting through our membership; with signposting to the resources, tools and information you need to feel supported, and have a place to turn to for advice and help.

We will be creating resources for our members to help support them in combatting the drivers identified in this report over the coming months.

The Team at AMHIE

July 2025