UK Unhappiest Country In Europe For Kids

The UK has ranked lowest in children’s well-being across Europe, highlighting a troubling decline in mental health among young people, Imane El Attilah reported for Euronews.

25.2% of young people in the UK report low life satisfaction.

The Children’s Society, a UK-based charity, published its 2024 Good Childhood Report, comparing the well-being of young people in the UK to their peers across Europe. The report revealed that, on average, 16.6% of European youth are dissatisfied with their lives—equivalent to one in six.

Despite Finland being named the world's happiest country in 2024, many young Europeans are struggling.

The Netherlands reported the lowest rate of dissatisfaction, with only 6.7% of 15-year-olds unhappy with their lives. Nordic countries Finland (10.8%) and Denmark (11.3%) also fared well.

However, the UK ranked the worst, with 25.2% of young people reporting low life satisfaction. It was followed by Poland (24.4%) and Malta (23.6%), raising significant concerns about the mental health crisis among Europe’s youth.