The age where children’s mental wellbeing declines significantly

Children’s wellbeing declines significantly between the ages of 11 and 14, a new UK study has found.

Academics studied more than 11,000 children, finding their satisfaction about their friends, school and family fell sharply when they left primary school, and again three years later.

Doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Education at University of Cambridge, Ioannis Katantonis, says it’s a period of change that’s “crucial for lifetime development”.

But can be taxing on mental health.

“Their interpersonal relationships change and they become more involved in romantic relationships, they also find their own friendships, they start to become more independent and obviously at that specific age they will usually start secondary school which is a significant transition,” Dr Katantonis told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY below to hear what the study found