In South Africa, little research has been done on depression and anxiety among younger adolescents, those between the ages of 10 and 14. Existing studies have primarily targeted older adolescents and those living with HIV.
The age range of 10- to 14-year-olds has been neglected. This age group is important because half of all mental health problems develop before the age of 14.
As mental health researchers we conducted a study focusing on these young adolescents in 10 schools in under-resourced areas within Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.
