World Health Assembly

Mental Health and Youth

Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, which can increase susceptibility to mental health disorders. Children and adolescents acquire cognitive and social-emotional skills that shape their future mental health and are important for assuming adult roles in society.

The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
Mental health is increasingly recognized as a major cause of illness and disability among young people, affecting their ability to lead productive lives and impacting their overall well-being. Several factors contribute to this, making mental health a critical concern for this age group.

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders (e.g., ADHD) are among the leading causes of illness and disability in young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24 . These conditions can severely impact a young person’s ability to function in daily life, affecting their education, relationships, and future opportunities. Worldwide, 10% of children and adolescents experience a mental disorder, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19 year-olds. The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.

WHO supports Member States in the development and implementation of various strategies that aim to promote mental health provide comprehensive mental health care for children, adolescents and their families.
Key components of this approach are described in the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 that emphasizes the importance of ensuring that strategies and interventions cater to the needs of youth at all stages of development. Central to this approach is the provision of mental health care services across various sectors in community-based settings that are youth-friendly and accessible, particularly in schools, communities, and primary care environments.

Additionally, a recent resolution adopted by the 77th session of the World Health Assembly, WHA 77.3 (2024), has highlighted the crucial role of mental health and psychosocial well-being in the survival, recovery, and daily functioning of those impacted by crises and the need for mental health support in humanitarian and crisis situations, ensuring that young people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies receive the psychosocial assistance they need.