Youth happiness in NZ is falling fast
The release of World Happiness Report 2026 shows the well-being of our young people has gotten worse over the past decade, and that higher levels of social media use are linked to lower well-being.
Although happiness in New Zealand remains comparatively high internationally – we rank 11 out of 147 countries in the report - the continued decline among those aged 15-24 is extremely concerning, says AUT Associate Professor Stephanie Rossouw.
“This is not a short-term dip, but a sustained decline over more than a decade. New Zealand and other comparable countries now rank among the worst in the world for changes in youth well-being.”
New Zealand was ranked 126 out of 136 countries for changes to youth happiness.
The World Happiness Report 2026 finds that higher levels of social media use are linked to lower well-being, particularly when use is heavy and more passive, such as browsing or ‘doom scrolling’, rather than active communication.
“We now have stronger international evidence showing how digital environments and social behaviours are shaping well-being outcomes,” Associate Professor Rossouw says.
“That gives us an opportunity and a responsibility to respond early and thoughtfully. In my view, these findings strengthen the case for stronger protections for young people online, including considering measures like pushing through a social media ban for under 16s, just like Australia has.”
Gen Z has high levels of social media use, which is associated with higher stress and, in turn, lower life satisfaction, she says.
At the same time, young people are experiencing declines in social connection, trust, and engagement with others, all of which are critical to maintaining good mental health and life satisfaction.
“Why is it problematic that our young people’s happiness is declining? Because it points to a broader structural shift in how young people are living, connecting, and experiencing the world.
“If these trends continue, they may have long-term implications not just for individual well-being, but for productivity, social cohesion, and the resilience of our communities.”
Findings of WHR 2026 for New Zealand
- New Zealand remains a relatively high-well-being country (we are ranked 11 out of 147), but there are trends of declining happiness across many Western economies, including the NANZ group (New Zealand, Australia, Canada, United States).
- Youth well-being has fallen sharply, with New Zealand placed 126 out of 136 countries for changes in happiness for under-25s, which is similar for other NANZ countries.
- Youth life satisfaction in New Zealand has declined since the early 2010s, a trend opposite to most of the world.
- The report links falling youth well-being partly to heavy social media use and changing digital environments, which are associated with higher stress and lower life satisfaction.
- A widening generational divide is emerging, with older adults showing greater resilience while younger people experience declining social connection and well-being.