The World Health Organization has raised the alarm about the deterioration of adolescent health in Europe, including in Albania.
According to the latest report, young people are facing numerous challenges, such as mental health issues, obesity, tobacco use, and an increase in cases of cyberbullying.
The data shows that 1 in 5 adolescents in Europe has mental health issues, while girls report lower levels of psychological well-being compared to boys.
Experts warn that this trend is alarming for the emotional health of young people.
Another major concern is cyberbullying. According to the report, 15% of adolescents report having faced this phenomenon, which negatively affects their psychological health.
Meanwhile, 1 in 10 adolescents aged 13-15 uses some form of tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, increasing the risk of future health problems.
Furthermore, 1 in 3 school-age children is overweight, and 1 in 8 lives with obesity. This phenomenon is mainly linked to a lack of physical activity and high consumption of foods rich in fat, salt, and sugar.
WHO experts emphasize that this report should serve as an urgent signal for governments and society, calling for concrete measures to strengthen educational programs on mental health and increase access to sports and recreational activities.