> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of *Child, Adolescent and Youth Mental Health in the 21st Century* ## Core Content This OECD report provides a comprehensive analysis of the mental health status of children, adolescents, and young people (under 25) in OECD countries, highlighting a long-term decline in youth mental health that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are based on national surveys, international data series, and expert insights from clinicians and policymakers. --- ## Main Findings ### Mental Health Decline Across OECD Countries - Mental health conditions are common among children and adolescents, affecting approximately **one in five** young people. - In **nine out of 11** OECD countries with comparable time-series data (2012–2022), youth mental health indicators declined by **3% to 16%** annually. - The decline began **before the pandemic**, with a sharp rise in mental distress observed from **2016–2019**. - While **suicide rates** among young people have remained relatively stable, **self-harm hospitalisations** have increased, especially among **girls**. - **Girls and older adolescents** show particularly poor mental health outcomes, with **68% of 15-year-old girls** reporting multiple health complaints in 2022 compared to **36% of boys**. - **Girls aged 0–17** experienced a **29% increase in self-harm hospitalisations** between 2015 and 2023 in 13 countries. ### Rising Psychological Distress - Psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and reports of poor mental health have been on the rise. - **Digital device use**, especially late-night or excessive use, is strongly linked to **sleep disruption**, which is a known risk factor for poor mental health. - **Social media** use is associated with **anxiety, depressed mood, and poor body image**, though it also offers **peer support** and **community engagement**. - **Cyberbullying** and **online bullying** have increased, contributing to emotional distress and mental health issues. - **Climate anxiety** and **geopolitical instability** have also emerged as significant stressors, particularly through the **information environment**. --- ## Key Drivers of Decline ### New and Old Risk Factors - **Digitalisation** and **social media** are new drivers, while **socio-economic inequality, poverty, and academic pressure** are longstanding issues. - These risk factors **intersect and accumulate**, creating a complex landscape of mental health challenges for young people. - **Socio-economic disadvantage** continues to influence mental health outcomes, both by increasing exposure to risks and reducing access to support. ### Interconnected Pressures - Mental health pressures are **not isolated** but rather **interact across different domains** of young people's lives. - Experts note that **cumulative exposure** to multiple risk factors leads to **persistent pressure** and **reduced optimism** about the future. --- ## Policy Responses and Recommendations ### Multi-Sectoral and Preventive Approach - The report calls for a **multi-sectoral and preventive approach**, moving beyond specialist mental health services. - **School-based social and emotional learning** and **mental health literacy** are recommended to build resilience. - **Early childhood interventions** and **youth-friendly, low-threshold support** are essential to prevent the onset or escalation of mental health issues. ### Digital Policies - **Digital policies** such as **school phone bans** and **age-based social media limits** are expanding, but their **mental health impacts are mixed**. - Some studies suggest **improvements in concentration** and **reduced online risk exposure**, while others show **limited or no effect**. - These policies must be **rigorously evaluated** to ensure they are **proportionate, effective**, and **do not inadvertently reduce access to supportive online communities**. ### Data and Monitoring - Fewer than **one-third of OECD countries** collect **regular, nationally representative data** on youth mental health. - Improved **data collection** is critical for **tracking trends**, **assessing policy impacts**, and **designing effective prevention strategies**. - The report advocates for **more granular measures** of digital engagement and **systematic inclusion of young people's perspectives**. --- ## Conclusion The report underscores the **urgent need for coordinated, cross-sectoral action** to address the youth mental health crisis. It highlights the importance of **prevention, early support, and holistic, accessible services**. OECD countries are urged to **address upstream determinants** such as child poverty and academic pressure, and to **improve data collection and policy evaluation** to ensure effective and sustainable mental health support for young people.