Snowflake label is offensive and damaging, say young adults

BEING called a “snowflake” is damaging to mental health, young people say.

Figures show that the majority of young people think the term is unfair – and even more think it could have a negative effect.

The “snowflake generation” is a disparaging term commonly used to refer to young people, who are perceived to be over-sensitive. But research by insurance firm Aviva found that 72 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds think the term is unfairly applied, while 74 per cent think it could have a negative effect on young people’s mental health.

The figures also show that young people are more likely to have experienced stress, anxiety and depression in the past year. Almost half of adults between 16 and 24 said they had experienced stress or anxiety, compared with just over a third of all UK adults.

One in three young adults were more likely to be uncomfortable talking about a mental health problem.

Dr Doug Wright, the firm’s medical expert, said: “Our findings suggest that young adults are more likely to be experiencing mental health problems, so using a phrase which criticises this age group could add to this issue.

“While young adults in particular appear to take offence to the ‘snowflake’ label, the majority of adults agree that the term is unfair and unhelpful, so it’s important that people consider how such labels are used, and the cumulative effect they could have on their recipients.”