Ages 11-17:
teenagers' mood drops a little more every year.

In high school, nearly one young person in five has depressive thoughts. Girls are the most affected. The new head of Santé publique France calls it a collective responsibility.

On 9 November 2026, Dr Etienne Pot, the new director general of Santé publique France, gave his first interview. His message: the mental health of 11 to 17 year olds is deteriorating, and the decline has accelerated since the end of Covid. It is not specific to France: the trend is global.

What weighs on them

Every new school year, anxiety and mood disorders rise. School pressure is one cause. It adds to social media, screens and, for girls, gender-based violence. Summer climate shocks also weigh on the mood of young people and adults alike.

What parents can do tonight

Put phones away during dinner. Protect sleep hours. Move together at the weekend. And above all, listen without judging. These are simple doses the whole family can take at the same time.

If a young person is struggling, do not wait: talk to a doctor. In France, 3114 answers day and night, free and confidential.

Source: franceinfo, interview with Dr Etienne Pot, director general of Santé publique France, 9 November 2026.