Insights into youth mental health and well-being: existing practices and new trends (2025)

At a time when mental health challenges affect a growing proportion of young people across Europe and beyond, this publication provides evidence-based insights into the factors at play and highlights policy responses, professional competences and practical initiatives to support youth mental health and well-being.

Approximately one in seven adolescents experience trouble with their mental health at a global level, with almost one in two respondents within the European Union experiencing an emotional or psychosocial problem, such as feeling depressed or anxious. Some of the factors affecting young people’s mental health and well-being include socio-economic status, job precarity or lack of financial stability, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, climate change, as well as digital transformation and increased social media use.

This issue of Insights aims to contribute to an understanding of the current realities of young people regarding their mental health and well-being. It offers a general overview of the main factors affecting young people’s mental health and well-being, followed by an overview and analysis of European and national policies in the field. The publication also draws attention to competences of youth sector professionals and services that offer a collection of good practices, as identified through various projects and initiatives, developed by NGOs, schools and local or national authorities. They aim to inspire those interested in developing new practices and learn from emerging challenges.

This issue provides ideas for action around youth mental health and well-being in the area of policy, capacity building for professionals, services and research and data collection, while acknowledging the note-worthy efforts already undertaken.