Shield.
Strengthen.
Empower.
We are a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting a dynamic coalition of parents, educators, researchers and policymakers to help our youth lead healthier digital lives in the era of social media.
Our analysis of hospital records and other data sources shows a significant negative impact on the mental health of teens and young adults from the combined effect of three elements, which we term a ‘poisonous cocktail‘: smart devices, unrestricted access to high-speed internet, and online services designed to capture attention and data for business purposes.
It’s not perception. It’s a sustained crisis since 2012. And the most affected are girls.
+300%
PEAK IN MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG INDIVIDUALS UNDER 20 SINCE 1997.
Spain remains at its highest recorded levels of mental health diagnoses in individuals under 20.
Girls 11–20
GIRLS AGED 11–15 NOW EXCEED BOYS AGED 16–20 IN DIAGNOSES.
This trend is now established: girls aged 11–15 surpass older boys aged 16–20 in mental illness diagnoses.
75% girls
OF TOTAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALIZATION COSTS ARE NOW FOR GIRLS.
Hospitalization costs for mental illness in individuals under 20 have grown over 500% since 1999, with girls now accounting for 75% of total costs.
Recommendations for Parents
We empower parents with critical, timely recommendations, information and action points.
Policy | Regulation | Civil Action
We champion multi-stakeholder action through capacity building and civil action initiatives jointly with parents, educators and policymakers.
Explore our previous reports. Access our past analyses and see how the data has evolved.
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