From Psychologies · Cécilia Ouibrahim · · 2m
Karine Chevreul: Young People Face More Pressure, Not Less Resistance
Young people face greater pressure than previous generations, according to a mental health study by Karine Chevreul.
In brief
Young people face greater pressure than previous generations, according to a mental health study by Karine Chevreul. Young people experience more mental health pressure due to academic demands and social media, but are not less resistant. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Young people face more pressure
Karine Chevreul, a mental health researcher, states young people face greater pressure than previous generations.
“Les jeunes ne sont pas moins résistants, ils subissent beaucoup plus de pression”
Mental health study reveals concerns
The Mentalo study, conducted by Inserm and Paris Cité University with over 20,000 participants aged 11 to 24, shows only one in two young people feel mentally well.
“seul un jeune sur deux déclare se sentir bien mentalement”
Higher anxiety risks among youth
Nearly one-third of young people show moderate to severe anxiety risks, with girls particularly vulnerable at 40% feeling well compared to 60% of boys.
“près d'un tiers présente un risque de détresse psychologique anxio-dépressive modérée à sévère”
Declining mental health among girls
Among girls, the proportion feeling well dropped from 66% in 2024 to 37% in 2026, indicating worsening mental health trends.
“entre 2024 et 2026”
Academic pressure is primary concern
87% of young people feel pressure to succeed academically, with school performance now a major source of mental distress.
“pas moins de 87 % des jeunes ressentent une pression à la réussite”
Social media exacerbates pressure
Social media norms have shifted, with algorithms reinforcing comparisons that lead to feelings of isolation and inadequacy among young people.
“les algorithmes renforcent cette impression : plus vous regardez un type de contenu, plus on vous propose des contenus similaires”
Mental health awareness is growing
Young people are more open about mental health issues but struggle to recognize their own symptoms or signs of distress.
“ils évoquent surtout la détresse psychologique ou les troubles psychiques”
Mental health education needed
Karine Chevreul emphasizes the need for mental health education to help young people identify and address their mental health concerns.
“on a le sentiment que la parole se libère et que la santé mentale est moins stigmatisée”
School performance pressure
With tools like Pronote, academic performance is now accessible in real-time, causing immediate stress rather than delayed discussions with parents.
“dès qu'une note tombe, elle peut devenir une source de stress immédiat”
Parental involvement in pressure
Parents contribute to academic pressure unintentionally, often trying to help but inadvertently pushing children into competitive environments.
“ils les poussent malgré eux dans cette compétition permanente”
Parcoursup and competition
The Parcoursup system creates intense competition, with young people feeling they have limited opportunities for success in higher education.
“le problème n'est pas seulement l'outil, c'est la sélection et le sentiment qu'il n'y a pas de place pour tout le monde”
Youth mobilizations
Youth mobilizations against academic pressure highlight a growing demand for transparency and fairness in education systems.
“ils n'en peuvent plus de Parcoursup”
Mental health study ongoing
The Mentalo study is being extended to monitor mental health trends and develop tools to support young people's mental well-being.
“nous disposons désormais de données qui nous permettent de suivre l'évolution de leur santé mentale”
The main idea
Young people experience more mental health pressure due to academic demands and social media, but are not less resistant.
