A recent study titled Mentalo, launched in 2024 by Inserm and the University of Paris Cité, paints a worrying picture of the mental health of young people aged 11 to 24. The research, which included more than 20,000 participants, found that only half of the young people surveyed feel mentally well. Nearly a third face a risk of moderate to severe anxiety or depression. Girls are especially affected: only 40% report feeling mentally well, compared to 60% of boys. Among middle school girls, the percentage of those feeling well has dropped significantly, from 66% in 2024 to 37% in 2026. The study points to academic pressure as the main source of stress, with 87% of young people feeling the need to succeed. Social media also plays a role, with 40% of young people reporting feelings of loneliness. Additionally, more than half of the participants misjudge how their mental health is changing over time. Karine Chevreul, a public health professor and researcher at Inserm who led the Mentalo study, explains that this generation is not necessarily less resilient but is facing intense pressures. She highlights that school-related stress is the primary concern, even more so than issues with family or friends. The sense of loneliness reported by young people is paradoxical, given their high level of connectivity through digital platforms. Social media platforms have shifted traditional norms, with algorithms promoting the idea that everyone must conform in terms of appearance, clothing, and behavior. Chevreul argues that the pressure comes not from increased vulnerability but from the intensity of expectations placed on young people. Digital tools have also changed how adolescents view failure, as platforms like Pronote allow constant access to grades. This immediate feedback can create stress when students and parents compare performance to class averages, potentially affecting students' future outlook based on temporary setbacks. While young people today are more open about discussing mental health than previous generations, they often struggle to recognize their own signs of distress. Chevreul suggests that mental health education is essential to help them understand what well-being means and how to seek help when needed. She notes that prolonged sadness or conflicts with friends can be indicators that something is wrong. Student protests are seen as a way for young people to regain control over their lives, expressing frustration with competition and stress. Chevreul acknowledges these movements, noting that young people are calling for more transparency and fairness in their environments. She also points out the lack of collective socialization in schools, which can contribute to feelings of isolation. To better support young people's mental health, Chevreul suggests rethinking their role in society and ensuring they are heard. She emphasizes the need for ongoing research and the potential for the Mentalo study to become a regular tool for monitoring and addressing mental health challenges among youth.