National Children's Bureau reports that one-in-four girls are depressed at the age of 14
The National Children's Bureau has shared research from the UCL Institute of Education and the University of Liverpool using information from more than 10,000 children born in 2000-01 who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study.
The new research shows that a quarter of girls (24%) and one in 10 boys (9%) are depressed at the age of 14.
Research results
The research also investigated links between depressive symptoms and family income. Generally, 14-year-olds from better-off families were less likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms compared to their peers from poorer homes.
Parents’ reports of emotional problems were roughly the same for boys and girls throughout childhood, increasing from 7 percent of children at age 7 to 12 percent at age 11. However, by the time they reached early adolescence at age 14, emotional problems became more prevalent in girls, with 18 percent having symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared to 12 percent of boys.
Behaviour problems, such as acting out, fighting and being rebellious decreased from infancy to age 5, but then increased to age 14. Boys were more likely than girls to have
As 14-year-olds’ own reports of their emotional problems were different to their parents, this research highlights the importance of considering young people’s views on their own mental health.
Dawn Jotham, EduCare's Pastoral Care Expert commented:
It's really interesting and very worrying that 14-year-old girls show an increase in anxiety. I would totally agree that there is a distinct lack of resources and skills to help in schools. In my experience, CAMHS are increasingly unable to cope with demand and schools are having to think more on their feet, for example using volunteer
