young people

The 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 young people's wellbeing and pressures on support services. Campaigners and commentators are pushing ministers to treat the issue as a priority and commit to concrete measures.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.