With recent research from the independent mental health provider the Priory Group revealing the extent of unhappiness and angst among today's teenagers - more than one in seven say they have felt so miserable that they have considered suicide - it has never been more important to understand what makes children happy and what makes them sad.
Jason
I What I like best is seeing Arsenal win and playing football. I didn't used to like it but my friends got me into it. When I play, it makes me feel like I am stepping into the shoes of my favourite footballer, Thierry Henry. If I am feeling sad I will play a football game on my Play Station 2. The best day I have ever had was when I finished first for the 800 metres race at my secondary school. It was a school record, although I didn't know that at the time. My family makes me happy too. They take care of me and, if I ask them for something, I know they will do it.
Antonio
My little sister makes me sad because she always tells tales on me to my mum. I don't know why she does it because I get into trouble, but I think she thinks it's funny. If I am having a bad day food cheers me up. I like chili con carne and sweet chili crisps. It makes me happy because I want to be big and have lots of energy.
Usman
I haven't done anything very exciting in my life but one of my best achievements was when I got a good report from my school this year, because last year I got a bad one. People on TV make me laugh, particularly Eddie Murphy. If I am having a bad day I watch Basil Brush. I am good at making other people happy, I just talk and my friends start laughing - they think I am silly.
Ashleigh
If I'm having a bad day, knowing that someone is there for me can make me happy. It's good if they know my personality and can make me laugh and cheer me up. I wouldn't say I'm the best at making other people happy, but I know that just being a good friend to other people is import. The things I like doing are singing, dancing, hanging out with my friends and just being lively and fun.
Kinzey
The most exciting thing I have ever done in my life was when I went abseiling in Wales. But that was a one off. The things I do all the time are playing football, watching movies and going places with my friends. I know it sounds bad, but what I find funny is when people hurt themselves. If I am having a bad day and I see someone having a worse day than me that makes me feel better.
About the team
This story was produced by Jason, 14, Antonio, 11, Usman, 14, Ashleigh, 14, Kinzey, 12. It was published by 0-19 magazine.
