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.

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.

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 Norwegian Science Tech News report describes a study finding that young people aged 9 to 18 increasingly use AI chatbots instead of Google for information and search. The study warns the long-term consequences of this shift for children's learning, critical thinking and exposure to misinformation are not yet understood, prompting concern among researchers and educators.

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.

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.

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.

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.