Chinese teenagers are turning to medications with sedative or psychoactive effects to cope with anxiety and fear of academic failure, according to accounts collected by the BBC. Students told the British broadcaster that many young people seek these substances as a way to "escape reality" and put their minds to sleep amid constant pressure.
The trend emerges in a context of intense academic pressure in China, where competition in studies is extremely high. Adolescents reported feeling a significant burden of anxiety related to school performance and expectations of success.
The BBC heard testimonies from young people who explained how the demand for these medications has become common among students. The phenomenon raises concerns about the mental health of Chinese adolescents and the risks associated with unsupervised use of sedative or psychoactive substances.
The article does not specify which exact medications were mentioned by the adolescents, nor does it provide data on the extent of the phenomenon or the measures taken by Chinese authorities to address this situation.
