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.

However, despite this general trend towards healthier eating and healthy lifestyles, the report also found obesity rates either increased or remained stable at already high levels, between 2002 and 2010.

The study is part of a collaboration with the World Health Organisation co-ordinated by the University of St Andrews in England, said there was a decline in young people experiencing bullying and drinking alcohol weekly, with increasing numbers living free from tobacco and cannabis.

However, the researchers warn that many adolescents in Europe and north America still do not meet the recommendations for healthy living.