Mental Wellbeing of Young People: Takeaways from Youth Courage Final Conference

In today’s fast-paced world, the mental wellbeing of young people is a crucial issue that demands immediate attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the mental health challenges faced by the younger generation.

Youth Courage project is a KA2 project funded by Erasmus+ and targets marginalised young people who have lost access to key support systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to reconnect by focusing on the mental wellbeing of young people in Europe. The project aims to support and reintegrate these young people while providing youth work professionals with tools. It offers modern, future-proof ways to (re)connect with marginalised young people who have lost contact with their support system in times of crisis. It empowers adolescents and marginalised young people to become active citizens, to take responsibility for their own physical and mental health, and aims to promote their personal development through solidarity and civic participation.

The current situation of young people shows clearly that life before the pandemic tended to be easier and has been turned upside-down in many aspects during the peaks of the pandemic. A survey by the Belgian partner organisation, Volonteurope, revealed that while some young people had surprisingly positive attitudes towards life during the pandemic, many experienced a subjective deterioration of living conditions, especially in Austria and Italy. The study, involving 409 young people across Europe, highlighted country-specific and regional differences in coping with the pandemic, influenced by cultural and social factors, support services, socio-economic backgrounds, and pandemic management.

On 15 May 2024, our Youth Courage project hosted the final conference in Brussels, in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee, and as part of the European Mental Health Week.

Here are the main takeaways from the conference

Unified European Approach

A comprehensive strategy for mental health across Europe is needed, emphasising that a common strategy can significantly improve mental health outcomes. EU member states must take action to address mental wellbeing issues among young people, while the EU should harmonise efforts to prevent divergent coping mechanisms. The goal is to create an environment where young people are encouraged to speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Milena Angelova, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, highlighted that we cannot shy away from the reality and issues young people face. Europe must deliver peace and security within society, where young people feel comfortable and not worried about armed conflicts, climate crises, cost of living issues, discrimination, and exclusion.

Human Rights Perspective

Fatima Awil, Policy & Advocacy Officer at Mental Health Europe, underpinned the importance of viewing mental health through a human rights lens. She pointed out that the changing environment and pressures faced by young people contribute to mental health issues. Issues such as living conditions, climate change, and the experiences of undocumented migrants exacerbate these problems. Fatima’s insights underscore the need for policies that consider these broader social determinants of mental health.

The Role of Social Media

Andrea Lapegna, Deputy Director of Lifelong Platform, and Chiara Piccolo, Head of European Affairs at Learning for Wellbeing Foundation, discussed the impact of social media on mental health. Whilst social media can offer a sense of connection, it often leads to feelings of loneliness and inadequacy among young people. Cyberbullying and unrealistic portrayals on social media can be particularly harmful. The pandemic has increased social media use and made it essential to engage with young people about its realities and promote digital literacy to help them navigate these platforms safely. Many young people sought help on social media during the pandemic which highlights the need to manage the content and information available and recognises that professional help should come from psychologists, not influencers, as underscored by Antonia Pichler, Coordinator of Psychosocial Support Services for Young People at Jugend Am Werk.

Education and Training

Andrea emphasised the importance of incorporating mental wellbeing into education and training programmes. Schools should prioritise mental health education to help students recognise and manage their emotions. With statistics indicating that 60% of students feel tense at school and a significant number leaving education early due to mental health issues, it is clear that schools must play a proactive role in supporting students’ mental health. The pandemic has disrupted education. This integration is urgent more than ever.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

A collaborative approach at the EU level is vital. Chiara advocated for cross-sectoral collaboration and suggested the establishment of an EU Agency for Wellbeing. This agency would promote better practices across education and health sectors and ensure that mental health is integrated into all relevant policies. The pandemic has shown the importance of coordinated responses.

Conclusion

The mental wellbeing of young people is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. By integrating mental health education into schools, promoting digital literacy, encouraging open conversations, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we can create an environment where young people thrive. The pandemic has highlighted the urgency of these measures.

We leave you with a question: when was the last time you got bored and did not scroll down for another reel or video on social media?

More about the Youth Courage project, click here!