The United Nations has called for a concerted global effort to enhance policies and investments in the mental health and well-being of children and youth. This initiative arises from a growing recognition that mental health is a fundamental human right, although specific resolutions addressing the unique developmental needs of young people remain absent.
Over the past decade, discussions surrounding mental health have gained momentum within the UN system. Yet, the lack of a dedicated focus on the mental health of children and youth has resulted in fragmented approaches and chronic underinvestment. Currently, approximately 14.3% of individuals aged 10 to 19 worldwide experience mental health conditions, with many remaining untreated and unrecognized. Alarmingly, data shows rising suicide rates among those aged 10 to 24 in various countries.
Strengthening child and youth mental health is essential, particularly as global Mental Health Atlas data reveals that only 56% of countries have established specific policies for this demographic. Furthermore, fewer than half of the surveyed nations provide community-based or school-based mental health services.
Framework for Action
To tackle these pressing challenges, the UN emphasizes the need for coordinated action across multiple sectors, including education, health, social protection, and digital platforms. The proposed framework aims to use rights-based, child- and youth-inclusive strategies that ensure no individual is overlooked, including those in humanitarian and fragile contexts.
Key recommendations from the UN include:
– **Elevating child and youth mental health** as a standalone global priority. This would involve integrating mental health explicitly in future UN resolutions and aligning it with human rights frameworks under the 2030 Agenda.
– **Fostering a unified platform** that brings together organizations such as the UNESCO, UNICEF, the UN Youth Office, and the World Health Organization (WHO). This collaboration aims to enhance coherence, provide technical guidance, and align financing across sectors.
– **Encouraging Member States** to adopt national mental health strategies that align with the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan and the UNICEF and WHO Joint Programme on Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-being. These strategies should also incorporate guidance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Empowering Youth Participation
Meaningful participation of children and youth in all stages of mental health policy development is crucial. The UN calls for young individuals to be treated as equal partners in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of mental health services. This shift will build on existing frameworks for youth engagement within the UN.
Investment in prevention, promotion, and protection is also vital. A holistic, community-oriented approach should link various services—including education, health, arts, and climate initiatives—to create supportive environments for young people.
Incorporating core mental health indicators into broader health and education monitoring systems will strengthen accountability and ensure equity in progress. By addressing these gaps, the UN aims to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of mental health initiatives for the younger population.
The urgency of this call to action reflects a critical moment for the well-being of millions of children and adolescents worldwide. As global leaders gather to address these issues, the hope is that collective efforts will yield significant advancements in mental health policies and services for the next generation.
