The hottest Youth Issues Substack posts right now

Youth mental health issues have greatly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many more young people are reporting feelings of anxiety and depression now than before.
The rise in mental health complaints among adolescents has been particularly high for girls. Almost 60% of girls experience mental health complaints regularly.
Different countries show varying levels of mental health issues among youth. Cultural and societal factors play a big role in how these problems are experienced in different places.

Instagram temporarily blocked teens from searching LGBTQ-related hashtags due to content restrictions meant for 'sensitive content'.
Meta admitted the restrictions on LGBTQ terms were a mistake and emphasized the need for all communities to feel safe on its platforms.
LGBTQ teens rely on social media for connection and support, and limiting access to their content can isolate them during critical times of self-discovery.

Housing costs in London are extremely high, making it hard for young professionals to afford living there.
There's a growing concern about social housing being allocated to newcomers, which complicates the housing situation for local residents.
Many young, skilled people are thinking about leaving Britain because they feel the current systems aren't working for them and they aren't getting enough support.

Smartphones and social media are the main factors behind the adolescent mental health crisis.
The decline in independence among children and teens may be a contributing factor to the rise in teen depression, but it works in conjunction with smartphones and social media.
Alternative explanations such as increased academic pressure or lack of places to hang out do not fully explain the significant increase in teen depression rates.

Young women often face increased anxiety, which can worsen with social media and therapy culture that encourages them to focus excessively on their feelings. This can be harmful and lead to more stress.
In South Korea, high suicide rates among young people may be linked to intense competition and a sense of failure, which could also explain declining fertility rates.
Many young adults today are less likely to live independently or start families. This shift might be tied to changing cultural values that prioritize education and personal freedom over traditional norms.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Schools were closed in Ontario for 135 days during the pandemic, leading to high rates of chronic absenteeism.
Chronic absenteeism rates have nearly doubled nationwide, with some cities experiencing rates over 40%.
The erosion of the norm of going to school during the pandemic has made attendance somewhat optional for many families, posing a significant challenge in rebuilding this social norm.

Abigail Shrier's book has sparked discussion on mental health, particularly regarding the harm mental health professionals may unintentionally cause to young people.
Intergenerational trauma is a controversial topic, with experiences like Holocaust survivors' children showing different responses that may not align with traditional perspectives.
There are varying opinions on how modern parenting styles and educational systems impact young people's mental health and development, with some believing that constant self-focus can be detrimental.

The U.S. Surgeon General warns that social media poses serious risks to kids and teens, stating it may harm their development and mental health. Parents should be aware of these risks and consider moderating their children's use of social media.
Kids and teens are still developing and may struggle with issues like peer pressure and identity formation. Excessive social media use can lead to problems like anxiety, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep.
The advisory offers practical advice for families, like creating tech-free zones and fostering in-person friendships. It's important for everyone to find a balance between online and offline activities.

Facebook has been in trouble for its harmful effects, especially on teenagers. Reports say Instagram can be damaging to young girls, and the company knew about it but did nothing.
There is growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health. Many people believe that platforms like Instagram contribute to issues such as anxiety and depression among teens.
Some are calling for alternatives to Facebook and Instagram. They want social networks that prioritize safety and well-being over profit.

Youth mental health is deteriorating due to societal influences, leading to increased diagnoses of mental disorders.
Long Covid and mood disorders are intertwined, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and confusion.
Pathologization of personal issues as medical disorders is on the rise among young people, driven by social media, victimhood culture, and the medical industry.