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.

Some of the most affluent areas of England have seen the sharpest rises in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism, according to a Guardian report. The findings are prompting debate about diagnosis rates, access to assessments and the pressures driving benefit claims among young adults.

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.

India has proposed banning the sale of junk food in school canteens and within 50 meters of school premises, a measure aimed at curbing rising obesity and diabetes rates among children. The move signals a stricter government approach to children's diets and public health, and is drawing attention to how food sold near schools contributes to lifestyle diseases in young people.

A new study from Norwegian researchers reports that users aged 9 to 18 are increasingly turning to AI chatbots instead of Google for information and answers. The research warns that the consequences of this shift — for learning, fact-checking and how young people judge source reliability — remain largely unknown. Commenters are debating whether AI answers are worse for children than search results, or simply a new norm.

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.

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 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 why so many climate protesters have served prison time, offering a personal look at the emotional toll of activism on young people.

Venture investors 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 taps into ongoing debate over the value and cost of higher education, with backers from Silicon Valley supporting new pathways for young people into tech careers.

A new survey finds that 8 in 10 people aged 16 to 34 say smartphone use harms their everyday life, according to Dutch news outlet NL Times. The finding highlights growing concern among young adults themselves about the impact of constant phone use on sleep, focus and social life, and feeds into wider debate over digital wellbeing and possible limits on screen time.

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.

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.

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.

A growing debate is underway about why Gen Z shows signs of political apathy and what role universities should play in encouraging civic engagement. Commentators point to disaffection with institutions and barriers to participation among young voters, arguing that colleges can counter this through civic education, campus programming and opportunities for students to practise democratic involvement. The question of how to re-engage young people in politics is drawing attention from educators and civic organisations alike.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A woman from central Maine organized a gathering that brought hundreds of people together to show support during the Lindsay Clancy trial in Massachusetts. Clancy, a Duxbury nurse charged in the deaths of her three young children in January 2023, has drawn national attention and sparked debate over postpartum mental health. The rally highlights public sympathy and scrutiny surrounding the case as the trial proceeds.

A summit in Arizona's East Valley brought community leaders together to address teen violence, mental health struggles and online threats facing young people. The event highlighted growing concern among parents, educators and officials about the pressures teens face both in person and on social media, and about how schools and families can respond before problems escalate.

Local health departments have begun offering flu vaccines on a walk-in basis, removing the need for appointments. Residents can visit their nearest department during opening hours to get vaccinated ahead of flu season. Health officials typically encourage annual flu shots, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.