Pressure on youth

After decades of government neglect, one can understand medical professionals highlighting the growing mental health problems of young people as another reason for increased funding.

However, in this instance, their afflictions can largely be attributed to a techno-lifestyle in a competitively-minded society, which could be prevented with a general change of orientation. Prevention always makes more sense than costly treatment.

Some of the causes of distress have been identified as “increased pressure to do well at school, body image issues, the influence of social media and difficult family backgrounds”.

We should urge government to address these first in concert with parental responsibility.

GEOFF NAYLOR Winchester, Hampshire