Natalie Morales, in her Op-Ed piece about the recent Good Childhood Report 2024, underscores a deeply troubling trend in the well-being of children and young people in the UK.

The above mentioned report, which was published by The Children’s Society, reveals that British youth are significantly less happy than their European peers, with many suffering from low life satisfaction, particularly in the context of economic challenges like the cost-of-living crisis. This is compounded by issues in education, mental health, and the pervasive impact of social media.

Morales highlights a key factor. The UK’s economic struggles, marked by austerity and widespread poverty, are having a direct, negative impact on children’s emotional well-being.

Moreover, the rigid educational system, with its emphasis on academic achievement at the expense of emotional and social development, is increasing stress levels among students, particularly those in disadvantaged families.

The gender disparity in well-being, with girls reporting lower satisfaction than boys, is also alarming.

Morales calls for urgent action from the UK government, recommending policies such as a National Measure of Wellbeing, mental health support in schools, and reforms to address gender-specific challenges.

The UK’s struggles, Morales argues, can be contrasted with countries like the Netherlands, which boast stronger social safety nets and more balanced education systems that contribute to higher levels of youth happiness.

Morales emphasizes the need for a collective societal response, involving not only the government but also educators, mental health professionals and communities.

By focusing on the emotional and social development of children and investing in spaces where young people can find support, the UK can reverse these troubling trends and improve the well-being of future generations.