Wellbeing of the Young in Africa

Abstract

Research over decades finds wellbeing is U-shaped in age, while illbeing is hump-shaped. But growing evidence from around the world suggests the wellbeing of the young is declining such that it now rises with age, while illbeing falls. Using data from a number of surveys on fifty-four countries, we examine trends in wellbeing in Africa where there has been little prior research. We find little support for the proposition that the age structure of wellbeing in Africa has changed over the last decade. However, wellbeing appears to improve with age in surveys conducted over the internet, such as Global Minds, which may indicate the young are more susceptible to providing socially desirable responses to interviewers. One potential reason for declining wellbeing among the young in high-income countries is rising screentime linked to fast broadband access. But in countries like Burkina Faso and Guinea, the majority of the population say they have never accessed the internet. Low internet usage might help explain why the wellbeing of young Africans is not declining as it has been elsewhere.