Rebuilding Happiness: Simple Ways to Support Young People’s Mental Health

For years, people thought being young was the happiest time of life—a time for fun, friends, and adventure. But a recent UN-commissioned study suggests that’s changing. Researchers Jean Twenge and David Blanchflower found that young people today are struggling with mental health more than ever before. Instead of happiness dipping in midlife and rising again later, it now increases steadily with age.

The study looked at young people in the UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, showing that life satisfaction has dropped, especially for young women. The main culprits? More time on social media, cyberbullying, and less face-to-face interaction. Loneliness is a huge factor, and it’s making mental health worse. So, what can we do to help? Here are some simple and effective ways to turn things around.

1. Tackling Loneliness Head-On

Loneliness isn’t just feeling alone—it affects both mental and physical health. Studies show that chronic loneliness increases anxiety, depression, and even health risks like heart disease. Even though young people are more connected online, they feel more isolated than ever. Spending too much time on screens is replacing real-life social time, making things worse.

What Helps:

• Encourage in-person hangouts – Schools and universities can create more social clubs, events, and mental health programs to bring people together.

• Try a digital detox – Reducing screen time and spending more time in the real world can make a huge difference.

• Invest in community spaces – More youth centers, libraries, and places for socialising can help young people connect beyond their screens.

2. Changing the System with Better Policies

Big problems need big solutions. Governments and organisations play a huge role in improving young people’s mental health. Without the right support in place, it’s hard to make lasting change.

What Helps:

• Stronger rules for social media – More protection against harmful content, cyberbullying, and unrealistic beauty standards can reduce anxiety and stress.

• Mental health education in schools – Teaching stress management, emotional resilience, and open conversations about mental health can help kids and teens feel more prepared.

• More affordable mental health support – Therapy, counseling, and support groups should be easier to access, especially for young people who can’t afford them.

3. Finding a Healthy Balance with Technology

Tech isn’t going anywhere, so we need to find ways to use it in a way that supports, rather than harms, mental well-being.

What Helps:

• Mindful screen time – Schools and workplaces can help people set healthy limits on social media and screen use.

• Tech that actually supports mental health – Apps for meditation, mood tracking, and therapy should complement human support, not replace it.

• Parents and teachers setting good examples – Adults can guide young people in using tech in a balanced way, rather than just banning it.

4. Building Stronger Communities

Having a solid support system is one of the best ways to fight loneliness and boost happiness.

What Helps:

• Mentorship programs – Pairing young people with mentors in their field of interest can give them guidance and purpose.

• Peer support groups – Creating safe spaces to share struggles and make connections can make people feel less alone.

• Encouraging volunteering – Helping others builds purpose and a sense of belonging, which can improve mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

Twenge and Blanchflower’s research makes one thing clear: young people are struggling, and loneliness plays a big role in that. The rise of social media, less face-to-face time, and growing pressures are creating a mental health crisis. But there are real solutions.

By focusing on better policies, digital wellness, and stronger communities, we can help young people feel happier and more connected. The key is keeping things simple—more real-world interactions, less screen time, and more support. Happiness doesn’t have to be complicated.