Understanding Youth Mental Health in New Zealand: A Concerning Status Quo

New Zealand consistently finds itself in conversations about youth mental health, often for troubling reasons. The latest statistics reveal a disheartening landscape, prompting discussions about potential solutions, including the controversial idea of restricting social media access for young users.

Graduation Traditions and Academic Foundations

New Zealand’s academic calendar includes two graduation ceremonies each year, typically held in May and December. The timing in May dates back to colonial ties with England. Initially, final exams were shipped back to Britain for assessment, causing significant delays. As a result, students in New Zealand celebrate their graduation a little later than most—waiting months after their final assessments.

At a recent ceremony, I proudly witnessed the graduation of Kylie Sutcliffe, our PhD student who has conducted significant research on youth mental health. Her work focuses on an extensive analysis using the Youth 2019 Rangatahi Smart Survey, providing insights into what young New Zealanders feel about their mental wellbeing.

Unpacking the Latest Statistics

Kylie’s research holds critical relevance, especially in light of findings from the Unicef Innocenti Report Card 19. This report draws from data gathered between 2018 and 2022 and paints a bleak picture for youth in New Zealand. Out of 36 countries compared, New Zealand ranks last for mental health. In the realm of physical health, we sit at 35th out of 40, while academic proficiency and social skills see us at a slightly more palatable 25th.

A closer look at the statistics shows an alarming trend. While the mortality rate among youth due to accidents and illnesses has shown a 5% improvement over five years, the youth suicide rate has worsened by over 5%. To put things into perspective, New Zealand’s youth suicide rate is nearly 50% higher than that of the next worst country, Estonia.

Insights from the Youth 2019 Survey

The Youth 2019 survey, conducted just before the pandemic, gathered feedback from over 7,000 young individuals across New Zealand. The findings suggest a significant decline in mental health compared to previous years. Data from earlier studies in 2000, 2007, and 2012 had shown stable mental health scores, but the 2019 survey revealed a worrying increase in symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts among youth.

Moreover, this decline in well-being has not affected all demographics equally. Young females, Māori and Pasifika youth, as well as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and gender and sexual minorities, reported the sharpest declines in mental health. Factors contributing to these disparities include increased exposure to discrimination and harm.

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Road Ahead

It’s essential to note that the data from both the Youth 2019 survey and the Unicef report forth were collected prior to the officially declared end of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2023. Early research suggests a further deterioration in youth mental health due to the pandemic, though exact statistics are still emerging. When a country ranks last in youth mental health, there is a sense of urgency for change.

The Social Media Debate

In the wake of these alarming statistics, discussions have arisen about the role of social media in youth mental health. Some advocate for banning under-16s from social media platforms to mitigate potential harm. However, others, including members of the political sphere, argue against heavy-handed legislative responses, emphasizing the need for improved parental education instead.

While parenting techniques are undoubtedly important, one wonders what new strategies could be implemented that haven’t already been tried.

A Complicated Solution

Kylie Sutcliffe’s research emphasizes that addressing the youth mental health crisis requires more than just cutting back on social media. It’s clear that multifaceted strategies are needed to alleviate the challenges faced by today’s youth. As some policymakers contemplate social media restrictions, questions abound regarding the implications of such a ban. How effective could it be in addressing deeper issues rooted in sexual harm and discrimination?

Final Thoughts

With youth mental health statistics displaying such a troubling trajectory, the conversation must continue to include varied perspectives and solutions. Whether it’s through enhanced research, community involvement, or exploring the role of social media, it’s clear that a collective effort is necessary to support the mental well-being of New Zealand’s youth.