The rising mental health crisis
Huge strides have been made in recent decades with regards to global mental health awareness. Even in socially conservative countries where mental health had traditionally been a taboo topic, communities are now noticing a shift in perceptions around mental health.
Positive changes are mainly driven by the changing attitudes of younger generations, who are becoming more comfortable in talking about the difficulties they’re experiencing. Ongoing research aims to settle the debate as to whether younger generations are indeed suffering more from mental health issues or are simply more comfortable talking about it. Either way, Gen Z are certainly much more likely to report experiencing negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and loneliness.
When it comes to mental health, it’s clear that while growing awareness is important, it’s not enough and there’s still a long way to go. According to UNICEF, one in seven young people worldwide experiences a diagnosed mental health condition. Even more young people view mental health as a major global issue. The Global Youth Index (GYI) 2024 conducted an extensive youth survey, where 23% of respondents selected it as one of their top three global issues. In the United States, Brazil and Spain, it was the top issue.
Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only circa 2% of healthcare budgets worldwide are allocated to mental health services. This gulf, between the scale of the problem and what is currently being done to address it, leaves many young people without the help they need.
Technology and mental well-being: a double-edged sword
The digital world plays an increasingly complex role in youth mental health. Social media and digital technologies connect young people and provide access to mental health resources, such as online counselling and support communities. However, these platforms can expose them to cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles, and misinformation.
Researchers at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health found that teens who spend more than three hours per day on social media significantly increase their risk of suffering from mental health problems. Given that young people spend more time on social media than any other group, it’s easy to see why this is such a critical issue for youth today.
Reducing screen time alone isn’t the solution. Instead, tech companies, policymakers, and educators must work together to ensure that digital spaces promote well-being rather than harm.
Why does this matter?
Investing in youth mental health is not just a moral obligation, but an economic and societal necessity. The Lancet Commission reports that the global cost of mental health conditions could reach US$16 trillion by 2030 due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and social welfare expenses.
Supporting young people’s mental well-being leads to better academic performance, increased workforce participation, and stronger communities.
Early intervention is crucial. Studies show that one-third of mental health conditions emerge before the age of 14 and half before the age of 18. Addressing these issues early can prevent lifelong challenges and foster a more resilient generation.
What can be done?
Addressing youth mental health requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Here’s what can be done:
1. Expand access to mental health services
- Schools and universities must integrate on-site mental health support and awareness campaigns and employers should provide mental health benefits and flexible work policies.
- Governments should increase funding for these programs and ensure services are widely accessible. “The Danish Approach to Mental Health” provides a model for early intervention, integrating mental health support within schools and communities.
2. Make digital spaces safer
- Meta’s recent announcement that it will join X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube in replacing independent fact checkers with “community notes” on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, highlights how governments may need to follow Australia’s lead in taking stronger regulatory action to force tech companies to act.
- Social media platforms should prioritise content moderation and must enhance digital well-being tools such as screen time limits and positive content algorithms.
3. Reduce stigma and improve mental health education
- There is still significant work to do in this space. The Global Digital Wellbeing Index 2024 conducted a study of 35 countries and found that only the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Canada have successfully integrated digital mental health into school curricula.
- Workplaces and schools globally should create safe spaces for mental health discussions and incorporate mental health education into curricula.
- Influencers and role models can play a critical role in further destigmatising mental health struggles.
- The GYI 2024 highlights how reducing stigma around mental health is of particular importance for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Young people are the future, and their mental health must be a global priority. With the right policies, funding, and digital safeguards, we can create a world where mental well-being is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental part of youth development. Now is the time for governments, businesses and communities to act.
