Long after we started scientifically measuring levels of psychological distress/ 27% of young people are reporting Mental Health Challenges, as their biggest personal challenges (Low mental health, Stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem or self harm) This was happening BEFORE COVID hit. In 2012 it was 18.6% but in 2020 it was up to 26.6%. That’s a significant increase in a short period of time. Some of this may come down to bullying not stopping when the last school bell stops anymore, with children being sent abusing SMS messages from other children at 3am becoming a regular occurrence. We heard of one girl who’s family changed her number multiple times a year, but every time that would only work for about 4 days and the messages would start again.
