Our youths are under attack and I hope that wake up calls like this are enough to create significant changes.
THE NUMBERS
On 19 September 2024, Singapore released the results of a three-year study, the National Youth Mental Health Study, which provides insights into the state of youth mental health and well-being in Singapore.
The results are perhaps not surprising, but they do make for a sobering read:
· About 27% of 15 to 35 year olds suffer severe or extremely severe anxiety
· Nearly 15% of the same group suffer severe or extremely severe depression
· Nearly 15% of the same group suffer severe or extremely severe stress
Youths up to 24 years of age are those more likely to suffer severe or extremely severe symptoms.
I wasn't able to access the study, but based on the terminology used—such as 'severe' and 'extremely severe'—I assume there were categories for less intense symptoms, which would likely result in an even larger overall number when those are included.
Either way, the number of youths who are suffering is staggering.
THE CAUSES
The study also explored the main causes for these conditions and identified three main culprits… again not surprising:
· Social media
· Body image
· Cyber bullying
I am old enough to be born in an era when two of these culprits did not exist. The pre-internet era meant we were not exposed to the constant barrage of information and imagery we are today subjected to. We lived a slower, more organic life.
Things have changed. Today, young people often live much of their lives vicariously through online personas, and whether we like it or not, these technologies are here to stay.
SCREEN TIME
An increasing body of research is uncovering the harmful effects of screen time, particularly on young people. It is crucial, therefore, to continue studying its impact on mental health and to educate children, parents, and policymakers on making healthier choices.
I was excited to read that a UK campaign to free children from smartphones was gathering momentum (Smartphone Free Childhood), and I hope more initiatives like this are created.
It is our responsibility as parents to create an environment that includes nature and downtime from all digital devices. And yet so many parents resort to screen time as a way of managing their children’s energy.
It’s ok to introduce some screen time in our children’s life, but all in good balance. Let’s teach our kids to be outdoor, play with materials, create from soil, sticks, leaves, pebbles or stones.
Our youths are precious, they are our future creators, scientist, artists, performers, politicians, leaders and parents. Let’s set them up for success by educating them in an integrated way of life, one where digital devices are at their services, rather than the other way around.
MITIGATING FACTORS
The Singapore National Youth Mental Health Study also explored the mitigating factors that aid youth in managing modern life pressures. They identified three as “very important”
· Resilience
· Social support
· Self-esteem
RESILIENCE
Resilience is the ability to adapt to, recover from, or bounce back after adversity, challenges, or difficult situations.
Implied in the definition is the presence of some level of struggle. Without struggle, it is difficult to build resilience.
Now, before you jump out of your chair and either decry the importance of tough love or full inclusivity, let’s remember that it is all about balance.
For the parents who embrace the ‘participation trophy culture’, I would say let’s stop mollycoddling our children and help them embrace the natural discomforts of life.
For parents who embrace the 'tough love' mentality, I’d say it's time to stop treating our children like Navy SEAL recruits and instead offer them the reassurance they need to truly believe in their own abilities.
The process of nurturing a child's development involves creating a balanced environment where they can explore and take risks, but always within a framework of care and support. In such an environment, children are encouraged to test their limits, try new things, and learn from their mistakes, all while knowing that safety is never far away. When they encounter challenges, setbacks, or even failure, they can return to a supportive space where they are reassured, given comfort, and helped to process their experiences.
This dynamic encourages growth, resilience, and independence, allowing the child to gradually build the confidence and skills needed to navigate the wider world, secure in the knowledge that they can always rely on a safe base to return to.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
Social support is vital for young people struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. Having a network of understanding individuals—whether family, friends, or mentors—gives young people the emotional security to process their feelings. Just knowing there is someone to listen without judgment can help them feel less isolated and more capable of handling challenges, ultimately building resilience.
The impact of traumatic events often stems more from the lack of support than from the event itself. When children face difficulties without a trusted adult to help them make sense of their emotions, the psychological consequences can be much more severe. With guidance, children can better understand their experiences, leading to healthier emotional development and recovery.
Around the world, particularly for boys and in some cultures, there is a stigma surrounding vulnerability and seeking help. Young people may feel pressured to hide their struggles, which can exacerbate mental health issues. Encouraging them to speak up and seek support is essential. Creating an environment where asking for help is viewed as a strength, rather than a weakness, is crucial to ensuring young people receive the support they need to thrive.
SELF-ESTEEM
Around the world, we’re facing a self-esteem crisis of Olympic proportions, with young people struggling at unprecedented levels with stress, anxiety, and depression. Much of this can be traced back to issues with self-esteem, amplified by the constant comparison fostered by social media and unrealistic standards. As they battle to meet these external expectations, many youths feel inadequate, leading to a widespread cycle of insecurity that affects their mental health and well-being.
Key self-esteem issues for young people often include feelings of inadequacy, fear of rejection, and the belief that they are "not enough." Their self-esteem tends to hinge on external factors—academic performance, appearance, or social acceptance—which leaves them vulnerable to fluctuations in self-image. When failure or criticism is internalised, it can lead to toxic shame, anxiety and depression, making it difficult for youths to face challenges or take risks without fear of falling short.
To address these issues, we need strategies that promote a sense of internal, intrinsic value. Encouraging self-compassion, teaching resilience, and helping young people frame setbacks as learning experiences can strengthen their self-esteem. Creating supportive environments where they feel safe to express themselves authentically—whether through relationships, hobbies, or activities—can also foster a healthier sense of self. By focusing on internal growth rather than external validation, we can empower youths to build the confidence they need to thrive.
As we face these daunting challenges, it’s crucial that we take immediate and concerted action to support our youth. The mental health crisis is not just a result of societal pressures but also a consequence of the lack of proper guidance and nurturing in their formative years. By creating environments that foster resilience, self-worth, and genuine support, we can help young people regain a sense of control and confidence in the face of adversity.
We must also challenge outdated norms that discourage emotional expression, particularly among boys, and embrace a culture of open dialogue and understanding. Encouraging young people to speak up about their struggles is vital in breaking the cycle of isolation and shame that often exacerbates mental health issues. By fostering an atmosphere where vulnerability is seen as a strength, we can help them develop healthier emotional coping mechanisms.
The well-being of our youth is a collective responsibility, and it is up to us—parents, educators, and policymakers—to ensure that they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. If we act now, we can change the narrative, turning these difficult times into an opportunity for growth and lasting positive change.
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