young people

A new study finds strokes among young adults have nearly doubled over the past three decades, challenging the assumption that cardiovascular disease is only a concern later in life. Health commentators are highlighting the trend as a warning that prevention habits like diet, exercise and blood pressure control matter earlier than many people think.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to announce a new 'Help to Buy'-style scheme next week called 'Your First Home'. Reports say it would allow young people to buy their first home with a deposit of just 2.5%, a far lower barrier than most mortgages require. The proposal is drawing heavy attention online, with many debating whether such low-deposit buying would genuinely help first-time buyers or fuel house price inflation.

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.

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.

A Guardian report finds that 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. The finding challenges assumptions that such claims are concentrated in deprived regions and is prompting debate about diagnosis rates, benefit assessments and support for young people with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and the group Aurora have filed a new lawsuit against Sweden, arguing the state has failed to protect children from the consequences of climate change. The case renews a legal campaign against Swedish climate policy and is drawing attention to the growing use of courts to hold governments accountable for emissions targets.

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.

A Norwegian ScienceTech News report cites a study finding that children and teenagers aged 9 to 18 are moving away from Google search and turning to AI chatbots for information instead. Researchers reportedly say the consequences of this shift are not yet known, raising questions about how young people evaluate answers from generative AI compared with traditional search results.

A new essay published by MIT Press Reader argues that proposed bans on teen social media use fail to address the real problems behind concerns about young people's wellbeing online. The piece is drawing attention among readers debating whether age restrictions or structural changes to platform design are the better response to worries about adolescent mental health.

A new commentary in The Japan Times asks whether young people are genuinely being heard on sustainability, despite decades of rhetoric calling them 'the future'. The piece argues that while youth voices dominate climate activism, decision-makers often fail to act on their input when shaping environmental policy and practice, prompting debate about intergenerational responsibility.

A new survey reported in the Netherlands finds that 8 in 10 people aged 16 to 34 say smartphone use harms their everyday life. The figure has drawn attention because it comes from the age group most associated with constant phone use, fueling debate about screen time, attention and digital wellbeing among young adults.

A new Mental Health Matters column in the Dayton Daily News outlines steps companies, parents and users can take to protect children from the potential harms of artificial intelligence. The piece focuses on practical safeguards and shared responsibility as AI tools become a growing part of young people's daily lives and mental health conversations.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced a new housing programme, including plans to revive a Help to Buy-style scheme aimed at boosting housebuilding and helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder. The Financial Times reports the initiative is designed to stimulate construction, while The Times highlights its focus on getting young people into home ownership. The proposals position Burnham as an active voice on housing policy.

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 pediatrician column published by the Jacksonville Journal-Courier addresses dangerous social media challenges and why children find them appealing. It aims to help parents understand the psychology behind kids' participation and how to talk to them about the risks. The topic continues to draw attention from health professionals concerned about viral stunts harming young people.

Switzerland is launching National Research Programme 85, dedicated to the mental health of adolescents. The programme will fund research into the causes, prevention and treatment of mental health problems among young people. Organisations and researchers in the field are drawing attention to the new funding opportunity, which comes amid growing concern over rising psychological distress in teenagers.

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.