young people

A new study finds strokes in young adults are steadily rising, nearly doubling over the past three decades, even though most people only worry about cardiovascular health later in life. Commenters sharing the finding are urging younger people to pay attention to stroke risk factors early rather than assuming heart and vascular disease is an older person's problem.

New Guardian analysis shows some of the most affluent areas of England have recorded the sharpest increases in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism. The findings are prompting debate about rising diagnosis rates, better recognition of neurodevelopmental conditions, and pressure on the personal independence payment system.

The UK government is facing calls for 'urgent' action to address a growing mental health crisis among young people. The warning, reported by The Independent, highlights mounting concern over the scale of youth mental ill health and pressure on support services. Campaigners and commentators are pushing ministers to make the issue a priority and commit to concrete measures.

French lawmakers have adopted a law banning children under 15 from social media, making France one of the first European countries to impose such a restriction. The move is part of growing global concern over the effects of social platforms on young people's mental health and safety, and other governments are watching closely as they consider similar measures.

Andy Burnham is expected to announce a new help-to-buy scheme called 'Your First Home' next week. Under the plan, young people would be able to buy their first home with a deposit of just 2.5%. The announcement is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about housing affordability for first-time buyers in Britain.

TikTok has agreed to pay more than $100 million to settle a lawsuit over its impact on users' mental health, according to Alabama's attorney general. The settlement, reported by NewsNation and The Hill, is drawing attention as US states continue legal action against social media companies over harms to young people.

A new report finds that nearly half of young people say they would trust artificial intelligence over a human to check facts. The finding is drawing attention to shifting attitudes among younger generations, who increasingly turn to AI tools for verifying information, and raising concerns about the implications for media literacy and trust in traditional sources of verification.

A new Norwegian science study reports that children and teenagers aged 9 to 18 are increasingly turning to AI chatbots instead of Google for information and everyday questions. Researchers say the shift is happening fast, but its consequences for how young people learn, judge sources and handle misinformation are still largely unknown, prompting calls for closer attention from educators and parents.

Australia is moving to restrict social media use, particularly among young people, as part of a broader regulatory crackdown on major platforms. Analysts are now asking whether Apple stands to gain from the shift, as users spend more time on devices and services rather than social networks. The discussion highlights how tighter platform regulation could reshape where attention and advertising money flow.

TikTok has reached its first settlement with a US state over claims that its platform harms teenagers, agreeing to impose limits on users as part of the deal. The agreement marks the first time an individual state has resolved such allegations with the company, which faces broader scrutiny in the US over the effects of its app on young people's mental health and wellbeing.

Thousands of students have taken to the streets in Germany to protest against military conscription, Al Jazeera reports. The demonstrations reflect growing opposition among young people to compulsory military service as Germany debates strengthening its armed forces amid heightened security concerns in Europe.

Tech investors including Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen are funding a new academy positioned as an alternative to traditional college, according to the Wall Street Journal. The initiative reflects growing skepticism in Silicon Valley about the value and cost of a four-year degree, with backers arguing young people can gain technical skills through different educational paths.

A new Guardian documentary follows Max, a 14-year-old struggling with climate anxiety, as he writes letters to imprisoned climate activists in search of hope. Through the correspondence he explores the human stories behind direct action and seeks to understand why so many climate protesters in the UK have ended up serving time in prison.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has suffered an injury that, according to The Washington Post, could reshape the franchise's trajectory for years to come. Commentators are weighing how a prolonged absence for the young star might affect the team's season, its playoff hopes, and the long-term development plan built around him.

A review led by Alan Milburn recommends that young people whose complex disabilities mean they have little prospect of paid employment should get fast-track access to disability benefits. The proposal, reported by The Guardian, is drawing attention to how the benefits system assesses severely disabled claimants, with debate expected over cost, fairness and the pace of reform.

Alternative investments — assets such as private equity, private credit, real estate and collectibles — are increasingly being marketed to individual investors rather than institutions, with young people a particular target. Financial media commentary highlights this shift as access broadens and platforms open these products to retail customers.

Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion, has brushed off an incident, saying "these things happen". He acknowledged the young driver involved made a mistake but argued that the criticism directed at them has been excessive. Verstappen defended the driver and urged people not to overreact to the mistake.

Anthropology professor Biao Xiang has become an unexpected favourite among young people in China, who praise him for articulating the anxiety and pressures they face over work, education and an uncertain future. BBC coverage highlights how his commentary resonates with a generation feeling squeezed by intense competition, with many fans saying he understands their struggles better than most public figures.

A week after the death of Presley Gerber, son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, his ex-girlfriend posted an emotional tribute saying the two were 'connected for life'. The message has drawn attention as friends, family and fans continue to react to the young model's sudden passing and share memories of him online.

Mental health coverage in Ohio's Springfield News-Sun and Dayton Daily News examines steps companies, parents and users can take to protect children from risks tied to artificial intelligence. The article outlines responsibilities for tech firms building AI tools and guidance for families navigating children's exposure, framing child safety as a growing mental health concern as AI use spreads among young people.

A pediatrician column explains why children and teenagers are drawn to risky social media challenges and what parents can do about it. The piece outlines the appeal of viral stunts to young people seeking attention and peer approval, and encourages parents to talk openly with their kids about the dangers of copying online trends.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced a new housing programme, including plans to revive a Help to Buy-style scheme aimed at boosting housebuilding and helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder. The Financial Times reports the initiative is designed to stimulate construction, while The Times highlights its focus on getting young people into home ownership. The proposals position Burnham as an active voice on housing policy.

Debate is growing over whether social media platforms should carry health warnings similar to those on tobacco or alcohol, aimed at encouraging young users to spend less time online. Supporters argue such labels could raise awareness of risks to mental health and sleep, while critics question whether warnings alone would change behaviour among teenagers.

Switzerland is running National Research Programme 85, dedicated to the mental health of adolescents. The programme funds research projects examining how young people's mental wellbeing can be understood, protected and supported. Calls for proposals have been circulated to research groups and NGOs, drawing attention from organisations working in youth health and prompting discussion about how findings might shape Swiss policy on adolescent care.