Prof Peter Fonagy says an independent review finds a real rise in mental distress among UK youth, rejecting the ‘snowflake’ label.
Prof Peter Fonagy, head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, told the BBC that the review shows a genuine increase in mental distress among children and young people. He said anxiety, depression, self‑harm and eating disorders are now the most common problems and that about one in four 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds are struggling. The review was ordered nine months ago by Wes Streeting after the former health secretary claimed young people were over‑diagnosed.
Fonagy linked the rise to economic and employment uncertainty, the pressures of social media and the disruption caused by the pandemic. He noted the trend affects both boys and girls but becomes especially pronounced in girls from around age 12, and highlighted concerns about sexual aggression and societal expectations on young women. While acknowledging that greater awareness and reduced stigma have led more young people to seek help, he maintained that the increase reflects real worsening of mental health.
He criticised the NHS as “not fit for purpose”, citing that one in three referrals to mental‑health services remain on waiting lists after a year, and called for action across education, housing, employment and families. Fonagy also pointed to cuts in youth services and rising loneliness linked to increased phone and social‑media use as contributing factors. The review’s data are contested, with some sources relying on self‑reporting and others arguing that heightened awareness may inflate prevalence figures.