Recent research points to a growing mental health crisis among young people, challenging traditional beliefs that youth is the happiest time of life. Data from the 2024 World Happiness Report shows that countries such as Canada and the United States have seen their happiness levels decline, with Canada falling from 13th to 15th place and the United States from 15th to 23rd.
Economist John Helliwell, co-editor of the World Happiness Report, notes that in these countries, people under 30 have become significantly less happy over the past decade, while those over 60 have maintained stable levels of happiness. He describes the trend as “clearly worrying.”
Several factors contribute to this decline in youth happiness, including economic pressures, a housing affordability crisis, stagnant wages, and the high cost of living. The Intergenerational Foundation comments that young people are facing a “toxic mix of government policies” that are leading to “unprecedented levels of mental stress.”
These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support and policy interventions to address the unique challenges facing today’s youth.
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