International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by the young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. The Forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fund-raising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.
Digitalisation and Sustainable Development: A Dual Narrative
The digital transformation sweeping our world holds immense promise for accelerating sustainable development. Mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence have emerged as formidable tools in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data generated from digital interactions informs evidence-based decision-making and is instrumental in driving progress across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Astonishingly, digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 per cent of the SDG targets, potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.
Amidst this progress, it is crucial to recognize the existing disparities and accessibility challenges. While three-quarters of young people aged 15 to 24 leverage the Internet for innovation and collaboration, inequities persist, especially in low-income countries and young women. The urgent imperative lies in enhancing digital inclusion to ensure that all youth, irrespective of gender or economic background, can harness the power of technology to drive positive change in their communities.
Mental Health in a Changing World: Navigating Uncharted Waters
As part of the 1.8 billion people aged 10-24 years worldwide, today’s youth hold the key to shaping the future. However, the burgeoning pace of the changing world has placed new-found challenges on their mental health. The rapid evolution of technology and its integration into everyday life has led to a significant shift in social interaction patterns. Reduced face-to-face interactions, increased screen time, and a more sedentary lifestyle have emerged as potential contributors to mental and substance use disorders among young individuals.
Many experts have expressed concern about the impact of the popular social media platform TikTok on the mental health of young people. With over one billion users worldwide, nearly half of whom are 10 to 29 years old, TikTok’s influence on youth culture is undeniable. As it has become the most-used social media app among kids 12 to 17, there is a growing worry about its potential negative effects on the mental well-being of adolescents. Some experts believe that excessive use of TikTok may contribute to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those already dealing with social anxiety or depression. This can lead to a reduction in face-to-face interactions, potentially exacerbating mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
This underscores the critical need to address mental health concerns, especially in the formative phase of adolescence, to ensure the holistic well-being of the global youth population. Hence, “Young people and mental health in a changing world” is relevant in highlighting the intersection of technological advancements and mental well-being.
Global Unemployment and Inequality: A Tumultuous Landscape
The International Labour Organization’s report on global employment and social outlook for 2024 paints a complex picture. While the worldwide unemployment rate has shown a modest improvement, concerns loom. The projected increase in global unemployment in 2024, coupled with growing inequalities and stagnant productivity, poses significant challenges for the worldwide youth workforce.
Youth, Social Media, and Radicalisation: Unraveling Complex Narratives
The pervasive role of social media in shaping the narratives of youth radicalization cannot be understated. Interactions via online platforms have been highlighted as significant factors in the recruitment of young individuals by extremist groups. The evolving dynamics of cyber-enabled radicalization underscore the intricate relationship between social media, youth vulnerabilities, and extremist influences. Additionally, youth immigration continues to be a compelling issue, with increasing numbers of displaced individuals seeking asylum due to conflicts, economic instability, and environmental disasters.
Conclusion
As we commemorate International Youth Day, we must confront these multifaceted challenges and rally for sustainable, inclusive solutions. Harnessing the potential of digitalization to bridge accessibility gaps, prioritizing mental health support for young individuals, addressing global employment inequalities, and comprehensively understanding the impact of social media on radicalization are indispensable steps in ensuring a brighter future for the global youth population. This International Youth Day serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial work ahead in creating a world where every young person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the global community.
And to our youth readers, we would like to remind you of the wisdom of Christian D. Larson: “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
References
Chadda, R. K. (2018). Youth & mental health: Challenges ahead. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 148(4), 359-361.
Cherney, A., Belton, E., Norham, S. A. B., & Milts, J. (2020). Understanding youth radicalisation: an analysis of Australian data. Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, 14(2), 97–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/19434472.2020.1819372
International Youth Day 12 August 2024 Theme: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day
McAuliffe, M. and L.A. Oucho (eds.), 2024. World Migration Report 2024. International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva.
The Alliance Insider (2024) – TikTok and Youth Mental Health. Depression and bipolar support alliances.
UN ILO. Global Unemployment Rate Set Increases https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/global-unemployment-rate-set-increase-2024-while-growing-social
