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Youth Mental Health

Youth Development Today
Youth Mental Health
By Youth Development Today • Issue #22 • View online
Just a few days ago, the PEW Research Center released a study on youth mental health in the United States. The findings show that anxiety and depression are on the rise, and that seven out of ten American adolescents see mental health as a major problem either personally or among their peers. Canadian statistics are similar: According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, an estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness (see UNICEF Canada below). Global findings from OECD and WHO are also far from positive.
The youth mental health resources in this issue are grouped into two sections. Part 1 is designed to help you orient yourself in the existing research. Part 2 offers resources on how teachers, youth workers, parents, mentors, or other caring adults can support youth well-being and positive development. I hope you find these materials helpful.
- Konrad

Part 1: What We Know About Teen Mental Health
Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety, Depression as Major Problems
According to a recent study by the PEW Research Center, seven out of ten American adolescents see anxiety and depression as major problems affecting them personally or affecting their peers. 61% of teenagers say they feel a lot of pressure to do well academically. 
www.pewsocialtrends.org  •  Share
In the Fall of 2018, UNICEF Canada launched One Youth, a national movement to listen to children and youth, and to develop solutions to their most relevant and pressing challenges. The organization identified mental health as a key issue facing youth in Canada: “Young people say they are under an incredible amount of pressure to succeed at school, they are overscheduled, and sleeping poorly. Not all of this is mental illness, but a lot of it is poor mental health.”
www.unicef.ca  •  Share
According to this 2018 Trends Shaping Education Spotlight by OECD, young people are experiencing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The spotlight offers insights into student well-being in and out of school. It also lists risk and protective factors.
www.oecd.org  •  Share
This 2018 report on mental health in the digital age states that digital technologies and social media are contributing to and often fuelling feelings of anxiety and depression, inadequate sleep patterns, distorted body image, and cyber-bullying. The report also offers several recommendations.
www.oecd.org  •  Share
This WHO factsheet on adolescent mental health offers statistics, an overview of mental health determinants, common mental health conditions, and a section on mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment.
www.who.int  •  Share
This video by the CAMH Health Promotion Resource Centre explains the difference between mental health and mental illness. It also explores how to promote mental health.
See also: Meet 3 OISE professors who are advancing research and care in adolescent and young adult mental health
vimeo.com  •  Share
Part 2: Supporting Youth Well-Being
Infographic: 10 Tips for Teens to Build Resilience
The Canadian Mental Health Association developed this infographic and the accompanying article on how young people can learn to be resilient.
readyforlife.ca  •  Share
TeenMentalHealth.Org
Are you an #educator looking to become #mentalhealth literate? https://t.co/hFxKEjdJr7 (@teachmhorg) is a free, online modular resource developed in partnership with the Faculties of Education at @UBC, @stfxuniversity and @WesternU. https://t.co/hFxKEjdJr7 #getliterate https://t.co/LViFEy8OWk
In order to enjoy success in school, work, social development, and personal life, young people need to develop core life skills, such as planning, self-control, and flexibility. Developed by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, this Guide for Education and Social Service Practitioners outlines 5 ways to help youth build these core life skills and avoid stress.
developingchild.harvard.edu  •  Share
Released in Ontario, Canada in 2013, this educator’s guide was developed to build school and teacher capacity in addressing youth mental health and addiction problems. Based on a survey of existing research and consultations with researchers and practitioners, the guide aims to provide educators with the knowledge they need to support students with mental health challenges. 
See also: Make it Count: Guide for Teachers
www.edu.gov.on.ca  •  Share
Helping Young People in a Mental Health Crisis
In this lecture (video and slides), professor Debra Rickwood outlines the key challenges affecting young people today and what adults can do to help youth overcome challenges that may threaten their well-being.
www.youtube.com  •  Share
This digital toolkit was designed to support youth work practitioners in using digital technologies to support youth mental health and well-being.
ayemind.com  •  Share
This research study involving American grade six students suggests that school-based mindfulness instruction can help increase attention skills and develop coping mechanisms to reduce stress.
www.gse.harvard.edu  •  Share
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Youth Development Today

Youth Development Today is a monthly newsletter focused on youth well-being and student success. Each issue features 5 to 10 current resources on youth development, and offers a healthy mix of academic research, practice-based insights, and grey literature.

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