Youth Mental Health – A Priority for the European Union

On April 7, 2025, we actively participated in an international meeting held under the framework of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event focused on the challenges surrounding the mental health of children and adolescents in Europe, with particular emphasis on the impact of new technologies. Experts, practitioners, and representatives of international organizations gathered in Kraków to discuss how to protect young people's mental health in a world increasingly dominated by digital technologies.

Deputy Minister of Health Katarzyna Kacperczyk emphasized that the challenges posed by the technological revolution are a shared concern across all EU member states. It is crucial to develop legal frameworks and public policies that enable the safe and effective use of digital tools to support the mental well-being of young people.

While digitization brings many benefits, it also poses serious risks: screen addiction, cyberbullying, and information overload. Speakers highlighted the need for close cooperation between the ministries of education, health, technology, and social services. Youth mental health issues cannot be solved in isolation – integrated action is essential. Edyta Ruta from the Urban Culture Institute – City of Weaves and Kornelia Kiss from Culture Action Europe shared examples of how culture and the arts can support the mental and social health of children and youth.

A key voice in the discussion came from young people themselves. High school students from Gdynia presented their own research, showing how technology affects their daily lives. It was strongly emphasized that youth should be actively involved in shaping the policies that affect them.

The conclusions from the conference are clear: supporting the mental health of children and adolescents must become one of the European Union's top priorities. Representatives of leading global organizations – WHO, OECD, and UNICEF – shared concrete recommendations for governments and policymakers. These guidelines outline the steps that must be taken to better protect young people's mental health and promote their well-being in an increasingly digital environment. Poland announced its continued commitment to developing a shared European strategy, and the resulting recommendations will contribute to the upcoming Council of the EU Conclusions.