'Happiness Recession': UK 15-Year-Olds at Bottom of European Satisfaction League

What is the 'Happiness Recession'?

There is growing evidence that young people in the United Kingdom (UK) are experiencing a "happiness recession." According to a recent study by the University of Oxford, 15-year-olds in the UK are now the least satisfied with their lives of any of their peers in Europe.

What are the causes of the 'Happiness Recession'?

There are a number of potential causes of the happiness recession in the UK.

• Increasing social media and screen time
• Increased academic pressure
• Declining social mobility
• Rising economic inequality

These trends are having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the UK.

What can be done to address the 'Happiness Recession'?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the happiness recession in the UK.

• Invest in mental health services for young people
• Reduce social inequality
• Increase social mobility
• Encourage young people to spend less time on social media and more time offline
• Promote positive body image and self-esteem

By taking these steps, we can help to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the UK and ensure that they have the opportunity to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Additional Resources

• UNICEF: The State of the World's Children 2021
• WHO: Adolescent Health
• Mental Health Foundation: Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health