Youth ‘happier today than in 2005’

Young people are happier and healthier than their counterparts were a decade ago, according to a new study.

Researchers said a report looking at the health and wellbeing of 11- to 15-year-olds in more than 40 countries across Europe and north America over 16 years suggests that while there are still causes for concern, contemporary adolescents are in a better position than past generations.

An increasing proportion of teenagers eat fruit and vegetables, are physically active on a daily basis, keep their teeth clean and rate their health as excellent, research showed.