A quarter of girls and one in 10 boys show signs of depression at the age of 14, new research has revealed.

Research conducted by the University College London (UCL) Institute of Education and University of Liverpool has revealed that 24% of girls and 9% of boys are depressed aged 14.

More than 10,000 teenagers took part in the study which involved parents reporting on their child’s mental health at age three, five, seven, 11, and 14, including their child’s emotional and behaviour problems.

Once the participants reached the age of 14, they were then asked questions themselves regarding their own mental health.

Thirteen questions assessed their difficulties with feeling sad, tired, alone, crying and hating themselves.

The research released with the National Children’s Bureau found that 14-year-olds who were from poorer surroundings were far more prone to depressive symptoms, compared to others from wealthier homes.

Anna Feuchtwang, chief executive of the National Children’s Bureau, explained that it is extremely important that both children and their parents speak openly about their emotions in order to pick up on symptoms and treat them quickly.

For more information about the National Children’s Bureau, please visit their website.