According to the latest data, adolescents today are experiencing the greatest crisis yet that endangers their health and wellbeing. They are not only the first generation to come of age fully under the shadow of climate change, this reality makes them face an even specific set of challenges. This demographic is especially vulnerable to the threats posed by our current environmental conditions. Retaliation to the negative impact of digital technology and increased exposure to conflict and war.
Between 1990 and 2022 those impacted by war and civil unrest more than doubled among young people. These conditions have only worsened the already dire needs related to mental health. This is especially important considering that three-quarters of lifetime mental disorders begin by age 24. This underscores the urgency of making mental health care a higher priority for adolescents.
The Unique Challenges Facing Adolescents
Today’s adolescents have been called digital natives. They’re forced to figure it out in a world where almost every element of social interaction has moved online and the lack of parental authority. The recent explosion of digital technology has posed some unprecedented opportunities and potential harms to these young people.
“Many of the formative social and emotional learning experiences of adolescence are increasingly occurring online, often away from parental supervision.” – The report
It is undeniable that our young people are facing a mental health crisis. It’s more important than ever for mental health service to respond to the distinct needs of this generation.
“We would certainly be recommending that mental health be an area of specific attention.” – Peter Azzopardi
Adolescents bear one of the heaviest burdens of climate-related anxiety. Climate change is aggravating anxiety George Koury / Unsplash The mental health impacts of climate change have been well documented. It’s creating a generation of youth who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
“Young people carry a large amount of climate-related anxiety.” – Peter Azzopardi
Rising Health Concerns
The report shows that adolescents in high-income countries, such as Australia for example, are mostly at risk of non-communicable diseases. These range from mental disorders, chronic pain to respiratory conditions. Projections show a very negative picture about the future of adolescent obesity and overweight conditions.
By 2050, nearly half of the world’s youth are projected to be overweight. It is an even grimmer picture in areas including Latin America, the Caribbean, North Africa, and the Middle East. As a result, by 2030, one-third of adolescents in these countries may be overweight.
“By 2050, close to half of the world’s young people will be overweight.” – Peter Azzopardi
Population forecasts predict that by 2030, over 50% of adolescents will live in countries that are yet grappling with a high burden of CSDS. This deeply troubling trend is exacerbated by the world’s fastest growing population. Without the ability to move and travel freely and conveniently, they could face drastic impacts on their health and quality of life.
Multi-Burden Countries and Health Risks
According to the global report, adolescents are the most affected by health burdens in what they call “multi-burden countries.” Most of these countries lie across the Pacific, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Without action in these domains, nearly 1 billion youth will become more vulnerable to health threats. During the next five years, hundreds of thousands of them will endure living environments that directly harm their health.
“The findings are alarming and they demand urgent action and accountability, in collaboration with adolescents, to create safer spaces and meaningful change.” – Susan Sawyer
Adolescents face more pressures now than ever before. It’s important for health services to meet these kids where they are and know how to reach and touch them. A longstanding myth continues to underlie the belief that adolescents are too healthy to need health care.
“A common myth is that adolescents are healthy and therefore don’t need health services.” – Susan Sawyer
