In an increasingly complex and demanding world, our young people face challenges that we can hardly imagine. They are at a time when the pressure to perform and belong is constantly present, fueled by the relentless stream of social media. As their devices' screens flicker with images of a seemingly perfect life, many of them feel increasingly isolated and overwhelmed.
But the problem goes deeper. Many young people are facing this immense pressure without the emotional support they so desperately need. Instead of a safety net of understanding and love, they often find parents who, although physically present, are emotionally absent. These young people are expected to navigate themselves through a world full of challenges and risks, without the necessary tools and guidance.
The pandemic has only worsened this situation. While we, as adults, can look back on our childhood without the challenges of a global crisis, our young people have spent a crucial phase of their lives in a time of uncertainty and isolation. The pandemic has not only disrupted their social lives, but also severely tested their mental and emotional well-being. Many of them have lost their way as a result, seeking stability in a world that feels increasingly shaky.
The result? A worrying increase in feelings of despair, loneliness and even suicidal thoughts among young people. The statistics don't lie: the number of young people taking their own lives is rising. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate attention and action.
As a society, we bear the responsibility to contribute to a solution. We can no longer look away from the problems facing our young people. We need to recognize that they face challenges we never experienced in our childhood—and are often left without the necessary support.
In this blog, I want to express my concerns about this invisible struggle that our young people fight every day. They face expectations and pressures that overwhelm them, while their parents' emotional distance and the consequences of the pandemic only make things more difficult. As a society, it's crucial that we open our eyes to this reality and recognize that our young people need help and support—now more than ever.
We should not only talk about the problems, but also work on solutions. How can we give young people the tools they need to survive and survive today? How can we better support parents and educators so that they are emotionally available to their children? And how can we redefine the role of social media so that it becomes a force for good rather than a source of destructive comparison?
Let's look for answers together so that we can protect our young people and help them find their way to a future full of hope and opportunity. As a society, we must take responsibility and actively contribute to an environment where our youth can not only survive, but also enjoy themselves, despite the challenges they face now.