Nearly half of older teenagers are struggling with pressure, anxiety and uncertainty.
That's according to new research by The Shona Project, which examined the difficulties young people face here.
The project's annual report has found 45 per cent feel anxious about the year ahead while over 60 per cent always experience school pressure.
The report also finds teenage boys' wellbeing declines significantly as they move through adolescence.
Commenting on the findings, Tammy Darcy, Founder and CEO of The Shona Project, said: “It is disheartening to see that nearly half of our older teenagers surveyed are struggling.
"While boys and girls experience these pressures at different stages, the message is the same - too many young people are finding life difficult.
"We are calling on Government, schools, families, communities and employers to work with us to ensure young people get the support they need early, before challenges become crises and struggling becomes the norm".
The research also highlights the importance of belonging and connection in young people's lives.
Among teenagers classified as thriving, 62 percent say sport is an important part of their lives, compared with 32 percent of those who are struggling.
The findings suggest that connection, community and positive role models play a significant role in supporting teenage wellbeing.
The results of this latest research have prompted the organisation to explore how it can combine its expertise with best practice to provide similar supports for boys, directly informing the launch of MARK, a new pilot programme for boys aged 12 to 19.
In partnership with The Shona Project, and delivered by experienced male facilitators, MARK is designed to reach boys before challenges escalate, helping them build confidence, resilience and meaningful connections, while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Dónal Kearney, Programme Director of MARK, said: ‘The findings in The Perfect Storm clearly show that boys need trusted adults and safe spaces where they can speak openly about the pressures they are facing. However, research without action changes nothing.
"Through MARK, we are taking action and creating spaces where boys can reflect on and question these pressures in a non-judgemental environment. We want boys to know they don't have to figure everything out on their own.”
