TELL Interns Emi Hirano Runnacles, Sarah Williams, and Alyvia Williams
Every year in August the world marks International Youth Day asking observers to celebrate as well as reflect on what it means to be young today. This year’s theme for International Youth Day is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”. It is a commentary on the idea that while today’s youth are living in various geographic, political, and socioeconomic areas, having goals and desires for their individual lives is a universal experience.
Today’s youth also share the experience of learning more about their emotional world and mental well-being through their different contexts. All have a desire to be seen and heard and feel connected to others who share similar interests and to have the opportunity to be whoever they want.
Geopolitical stress, academic pressure, and social comparison through technology are among some of the challenges facing young people currently. And while these challenges are common, a young person balancing educational requirements and goals in a more economically developed country will have a different support structure than a student living in a less economically developed country if equitable access to educational opportunities exist. These challenges contribute to the growing number of young people experiencing mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
While we often say young people are the “leaders of tomorrow” it is important to recognize that they have valid concerns now. Before their long-term dreams become realized, it is our responsibility as mentors, clinicians, parents, and humans to ensure that we are listening now to the aspirations and challenges of the youth in our lives. As we celebrate this International Youth Day, we encourage you to ask intentional questions that require more than a simple yes or no: What’s been or felt hard for you lately? What has been on your mind lately? Tell me about something that’s been lighting you up lately? If you are a young person reading this, understand that your story is yours, valid, and should be taken seriously.
This International Youth Day, please remember to affirm and check in with the young people in your lives and ensure that they understand that they are known, they belong, and they matter.