China’s Youth Mental Health Crisis Hits High School Girls Hardest
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Adolescent mental health risks in China are rising, with high school girls facing the most acute challenges, according to a recent large-scale study that highlights the often-hidden nature of psychological distress among the nation’s youth.
The report, led by Beijing Anding Hospital under the Capital Medical University, surveyed 11,833 students across eastern, central and western China, including border regions, between April 2023 and October 2025. It marks a significant effort to quantify a growing crisis that families and schools frequently overlook, often attributing early symptoms to normal puberty-related mood swings until they evolve into severe disorders.
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- A study of 11,833 Chinese students (2023–2025) found 54.7% at mental health risk, with girls and older students most affected.
- Severe risk group: girls outnumbered boys 2.6:1; 90% came from families with functional issues; nearly 90% showed internet dependency.
- Experts urge schools to prioritize long-term mental health tracking, family therapy, and interpersonal support, especially for high-risk girls.
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