Study Shock: British Bangladeshi Girls at Heart of UK Health Crisis

A recent OECD study has exposed a deeply concerning trend: girls in England, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds including British Bangladeshi girls, are experiencing the poorest mental and physical health outcomes in Europe. The data highlights escalating health issues and plummeting well-being, demanding urgent attention.

The study, encompassing 44 European nations, found that nearly two-thirds (66%) of 11-year-old English girls report multiple health problems twice weekly. This figure escalates to 71% by age 13 and 77% by age 15. Concurrently, English girls across all age groups exhibit the lowest mental well-being scores continent-wide.

Experts attribute this crisis to factors like lockdown isolation, harmful social media, and inactivity. NHS England's Claire Murdoch cites "new and emerging pressures," including cyberbullying and pandemic impacts.

A widening gender gap is evident, with girls reporting higher health complaints and lower happiness. Among boys, 40% of 11-year-olds, 43% of 13-year-olds, and 45% of 15-year-olds report multiple health issues, including psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and physical ailments.

The OECD identifies contributing factors such as declining physical activity, reduced social interactions, excessive internet use, and cyberbullying. The average onset of mental disorders around age 14 intensifies adolescent vulnerability.

Dr. Elaine Lockhart of the Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights post-pandemic mental health decline, driven by poverty, insecurity, and isolation. The report also notes "appalling decline" in physical health, with over 25% of girls aged 11-15 overweight or obese and a higher prevalence of eating disorders.

Data indicates 812,185 children under 18 accessed NHS mental health services in 2024, a 50% increase in three years. Rising infant mortality, falling vaccination rates, and preventable tooth decay in young children further compound concerns.

Olly Parker of YoungMinds cites unique pressures faced by girls, including online harm and body image issues, exacerbated by misogyny. Rosie Weatherley of Mind highlights worsening stigma and under-resourced services.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledges the "deeply alarming" findings, outlining measures to improve access, including recruiting more mental health workers. However, targeted interventions are crucial to address the specific challenges faced by British Bangladeshi girls and other ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by this health crisis.

The study reveals that English girls are experiencing the worst mental and physical health across the continent, with nearly two-thirds of 11-year-olds reporting multiple weekly health issues, a figure that escalates with age. Experts attribute this crisis to a combination of lockdown impacts, harmful social media exposure, and rising inactivity and obesity, creating "new and emerging pressures" that are uniquely affecting this generation of young girls, according to NHS England's mental health director.

Daily Dazzling Dawn contacted Dr. Renu Lutfa for comment. Dr. Lutfa, a British Bangladeshi author with over four decades of experience in journalism and teaching in Britain, was currently out of London.