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Investing in Children: The Key to a Better Future!
UNICEF calls for more investment in the mental health of children worldwide. Experts emphasize the need to improve living conditions.
Investing in Children: The Key to a Better Future!
The mental health situation of young people worldwide is in jeopardy! According to Christoph Jünger, Managing Director of UNICEF Austria, the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are just a foretaste of the deep challenges that already existed before the pandemic. UNICEF reports that the pandemic has caused an alarming increase in psychological distress among children and young people, expressed in anxiety, anger and uncertain visions of the future. In Austria, an alarming 18.2 percent of young people between the ages of 10 and 19 are affected by mental health problems, that is around 160,000 young people. Suicide is the second most common cause of death among young people in this country.
Dr. Caroline Culen, Managing Director of the Austrian League for Child and Adolescent Health, and renowned entrepreneur Ali Mahlodji reiterate the urgency of raising awareness about mental health. “The children and young people have acted incredibly cooperatively during the pandemic, but their needs have been overlooked for too long,” explains Dr. Culen. “We need to actively question how we as a society can promote mental health.” Ali Mahlodji appeals to young people: "If you often feel sad or anxious, don't think that you are broken. Get support! There are people who want to help." Time is running out for effective solutions because the challenges are huge.
Investments in the future
UNICEF emphasizes that investing in supporting children and young people is not only a humanitarian duty, but also an economically wise decision. For every dollar invested in solutions for children, there is a societal benefit that is ten times greater. “It’s not about handouts, it’s about a strategic decision for global stability,” said Christoph Jünger. One thing is clear: we need bold measures now to significantly improve the quality of life of the next generation. The call for greater investment in mental health is important not just locally but globally to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people, as outlined in UNICEF's 2021 State of Children in the World report. Let’s stop looking away – our children’s future depends on it!