Youth charity sees rise in mental health struggles

Jack, Leah and Belle: Social media pressures and global anxieties are among young people's concerns

A youth charity is raising awareness of what it says is a growing mental health crisis among children and teenagers driven by social media pressures, global anxieties, and a lack of meaningful adult support.

Young Devon, a charity supporting young people across the county, reported a 4% rise in inquiries for help over the past year, with 3,227 new cases between April 2024 and March 2025.

Ros Arscott, director of youth work, said the nature of these struggles is evolving: "It's not just about introspection anymore.

"Young people are fearful, about wars, climate change, and the future they see unfolding in front of them every day."

Ros Arscott said social media and mobile phone use are making problems worse

Increasing social media and mobile phone use were compounding these issues, creating constant pressure and few safe spaces for self-expression, she said.

"Everything is so micro-managed now for young people, everything they do is really emphasised," said Ms Arscott.

"As a teenager, you're learning who you are, and your body grows and your mind grows, and you want to test things out and explore things, and there isn't safe spaces to do that.

"You make a mistake and everybody knows about it. You're not quite who you want to be because you've seen that's what somebody says you should be doing."

Belle, 13, shared her frustration: "If I go to talk to someone, they say they only have 10 minutes because they're busy."

The Youth Enquiry Service in Barnstaple has become a vital lifeline for many.

Des, 24, has been using the service for several years.

"It's a safe, non-judgmental space where I can be myself," he said.

"Just knowing there's somewhere I can open up when I need to, it means everything."

When asked what would improve their mental health, young people did not ask for therapy or counselling, said Ms Arscott.

"They said they want more family time," she said.

"They want affordable activities they can do together. It was obvious when they said it, of course that's what they need. We don't have to fix people. We have to help them stay well."