Brussels:Commissioner for Health and Animal Safety, Olivér Várhelyi, highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues among youth, ahead of World Mental Health Day. He stressed the significance of listening to people's experiences and turning them into actionable policies, as reflected in this year's theme "Lived Experiences Heard Real Voices, Real Change."
Accourding to European Commission, over 84 million people in the EU face mental health challenges. Várhelyi pointed out that mental health conditions often emerge during childhood or adolescence, influenced by the digital environment. A Eurobarometer survey revealed that 89% of young Europeans use social media daily, with nearly one in three adolescents feeling stressed, sad, or socially excluded due to it.
The Commission is responding with the EU Kids Act proposal, which aims to better protect children online by holding online services accountable for safety and providing parents with tools to oversee their children's online experiences. Additionally, a Children's Prevention Toolkit has been launched with UNICEF to improve children's health, including mental health.
The European Commission is committed to advancing mental health initiatives with nearly £1.3 billion in funding. This includes £9 million for the European Programme for Mental Health Exchanges and a partnership with the World Health Organisation/Europe with a £11 million investment to bolster mental health systems.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Várhelyi reiterated the EU's dedication to listening to individuals' lived experiences and translating them into policies to enhance mental health outcomes across the continent.