Promoting and protecting youth mental health: a cross-sectoral imperative
3 November 2025
| Journal article
Overview
Declining youth mental health is a growing concern in Europe, impacting social, educational, and economic outcomes at the individual and societal levels. Drivers include traditional and emerging determinants, including digital determinants such as social media and other online harms. The WHO Regional Office for Europe advocates for a “Mental Health in All Policies” approach, emphasising cross-sectoral strategies to promote and protect youth mental health. Solutions involve expanding community-based services, innovative digital tools, school-based interventions, and supportive workplaces. Prioritising youth mental health is crucial for Europe’s future, requiring holistic policies across sectors to ensure societal resilience and economic prosperity.
WHO Team
European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
Editors
Cassie Redlich, Emilia Aragón de León, Sophie Kloppe Eicher, Marie Paldam Folker, Silja Kosola, Ledia Lazeri and Natasha Azzopardi Muscat
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO