Social inequality and discrimination

The consequences of inequality and discrimination on young people's mental health

The majority of young people we spoke to during our research all had something in common – they’d been subject to some form of discrimination. Minoritised communities had also experienced high levels of social inequality.

Inequality in society can result in communities being excluded and discriminated against, while discrimination and exclusion can reinforce social inequality. This can have a negative effect on our mental health.

Our research shows that social inequality and discrimination are rife in society, and all young people are affected by it. But those from marginalised groups especially at risk – Disabled young people, young people with special educational needs, LGBTQIA+ young people and Black and racialised young people – are significantly more likely to struggle to cope than their peers.

A female family having a serious discussion while sitting near a wall

Stigma and discrimination in society have a huge impact on young people and many told us how it has negatively affected their lives. Some even blamed themselves for what they'd seen or experienced, showing that discrimination has a negative impact on young people’s self-esteem and self-worth.

While inequality underpins every part of this report, here we take a specific look at young people’s experiences of social inequality and discrimination.

Race and religion

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Black and racialised young people are most concerned about racism and directly experience discrimination or abuse when compared to their mixed ethnicity and white peers.

Discrimination is common against religious groups too, which has a knock-on impact to their mental health.

The report found that:

  • Black and racialised young people are more likely to experience poverty, debt, housing issues, class inequality, and institutional discrimination.
  • Black and Asian young people are the most likely to have been negatively impacted by racism.
  • 77% of young Muslims reported having experienced Islamophobia. The majority of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Jewish people who took part in our research reported experiencing racism during their lives too.
  • Higher numbers of Black and racialised young people report feeling unable to cope than their white peers.

Real stories from young people

Discrimination against race and religion is impacting your mental health and more needs to be done to tackle this. Read stories from other young people about their experiences.

 

Gender and sexuality

We found that young people identifying as Non-binary or Trans are more likely to be negatively impacted by poverty, debt and discrimination than those who identify as cisgender or straight.

We also found that the majority of LGBTQIA+ young people said they have experienced homophobia, sexism, and transphobia.

  • Female and Non-binary young people reported having fewer work opportunities than males.

  • LGBTQIA+ young people struggle more with coping than straight young people.

  • Homophobic and transphobic stigma and discrimination have the most negative impact on Non-binary and Trans young people.

  • Gay men are more impacted by transphobia, while gay women are more impacted by sexism.

  • Jewish young people are also negatively impacted by sexism.

  • 65% of LGBTQIA+ young people reported struggling to cope, compared to 39% of straight young people.

A girl sitting in the park wearing headphones. She is looking down at her phone and listening to music.
When I was questioning/experimenting with my gender identity, I had various negative thoughts about my image. Do I look too feminine? How can I look a bit more masculine? Should I wear more manly clothes? Should I change my posture? Am I really Non-binary/genderqueer if I only shop in the women’s section?
Read Jasmine's experience of looking after her mental health while exploring her gender identity
A girl with a shaved head wearing a t-shirt and black jeans. She is sitting on the ground and leaning against a green brick wall.
Struggling with your identity can be really confusing and stressful. There’s a pressure to know your identity – to label yourself – which can cause anxiety if you’re not sure or still working it out. I have experienced this when it comes to sexuality.
Read Dhyana's story of how her mental health was affected when questioning her sexuality

Health and age

Young people with health conditions or learning differences are more likely to experience mental health discrimination or stigma.

  • A significant percentage of young people with health conditions have experienced ableism, weight discrimination, and poverty, compared with their able-bodied peers.

  • Those with both mental health and physical health conditions are more likely to experience class inequality and poverty, and have fewer work opportunities.

  • Females are more likely to experience weight discrimination than males.

  • Asian young people are more likely than other ethnic groups to be discriminated against due to their weight.

  • Overall, under 16s are the least likely to have experienced ageism while 20-25 year olds are the most likely to.

  • Far more Disabled young people reported struggling to cope compared to young people without disabilities (72% vs 34%).

Real stories from young people

The discrimination of young Disabled people is unacceptable and is having a huge impact on their mental health. Hear more from young people about their experiences of mental health when living with a disability or chronic health condition.

 

It's time for a fairer society

If young people continue to experience shocking levels of discrimination and inequality in society, it will continue to have a knock-on impact to their mental health. In order to promote healthier, happier lives, it’s crucial to build a fairer society for young people, inclusive of differences and all identities.

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Information and advice for young people

If you're a young person affected by any of the issues mentioned here, know that you are not alone. For help and support, take a look at our information and advice guides.