Jul 30, 2024 - Health
Charted: Gen Z's mental health
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The emotional lives of most American kids and teens are complex, with sadness, anxiety and stress intermingled with happiness, according to a Gallup-Walton Family Foundation survey out today.
Why it matters: The survey provides a nuanced view of Gen Z's emotional lives and how that group copes with stressors amid growing concerns of a youth mental health crisis in America.
What they found: Negative feelings were more common among girls and teenagers between 16-18 years old, the poll of 1,625 kids and their parents or guardians found.
- They were least common among Black youths.
- The most common ways kids reported making themselves feel better were listening to music (58%), playing video games (45%), connecting with friends (45%) or talking about their feelings (39%).
- Social media was lower on the list of coping mechanisms: 31% said they went on YouTube, and 20% more generally to platforms.
The intrigue: Asked what they most wanted from their parents when they were upset, 16- to 18-year-olds said for the parent to listen.
- Both 13- to 15-year-olds and 16- to 18-year-olds were likely to say they wanted their parent to "give them space." Fewer than a third across age groups wanted advice.
