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International Youth Day 2024

International Youth Day 2024 will be celebrated on August 12. This annual observance was established by the United Nations to draw attention to the challenges faced by young people around the world and to celebrate their potential as partners in today’s global society. Each year, International Youth Day has a different theme, highlighting various issues that affect youth, such as education, employment, and social inclusion.

Campaign led by

United Nations Volunteers India logo – global volunteering partner
France Volontaires logo – international volunteering agency supporting global citizenship

International Youth Day And Health

International Youth Day, celebrated every August 12, shines a spotlight on the incredible energy and potential of young people, especially in the realm of health. This day is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to empower youth to take charge of their communities' well-being. When young people step up as health volunteers, they bring fresh ideas, boundless enthusiasm, and a unique ability to connect with their peers. They tackle pressing issues like mental health, nutrition, and access to healthcare with passion and determination. By supporting youth involvement in health initiatives, we're not just building a healthier future; we're nurturing a generation of compassionate, driven leaders ready to make a real difference in the world.

 

#IYD2024 #MHDA #HealthVolunteers #YouthInAction

Youth Adda

Youth Adda India logo – youth collective for sustainable development goals

Join us for the Youth Adda on August 12, 2024, to delve into the critical topic of Youth Mental Health in Digital Age. Youth Adda is designed to explore and understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in detail and to empower young people with actionable insights.

Click the button below to RSVP.

Selected participants will receive an invitation to this insightful and engaging event.

Brochure of Mental Health in Digital Age

Click here to open the brochure

Mental Health in Digital Age

mental health in digital age Logo

Digitalization, like globalization and urbanization, has transformed our world, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. For adolescents and youth, ICT has revolutionized connectivity and online experiences. However, this digital revolution also brings significant risks such as online bullying and harassment, which increase anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to the misuse of privacy and distrust in digital platforms. Excessive screen time disrupts sleep, affects physical health, and harms real-world social interactions, fueling anxiety and stress. Social comparison on social media lowers self-esteem and creates identity confusion, increasing loneliness and social anxiety. Exposure to violent content causes emotional distress and aggression, while overexposure to information leads to cognitive overload, stress, and difficulty focusing. Additionally, online scams and deception lead to trust issues and digital paranoia, with excessive gaming and internet use causing neglect of responsibilities, depression, and social withdrawal.

While technology offers numerous opportunities, it also poses significant mental health challenges for young people, with over 5 billion internet users facing risks like cyberbullying, harassment, trolling, and identity theft. The dark side of connectivity includes threats such as doxxing, catfishing, revenge porn, and sextortion, which exacerbate anxiety and depression. Addressing these threats requires comprehensive digital literacy education, robust online privacy protection, and the creation of safer digital environments. By fostering these measures, we can harness the benefits of digitalization while mitigating its risks, ensuring a supportive and safer digital world for all youth.

Objectives

Raise Awareness

Educate Health Volunteers and communities about the links between mental health and technology.

Actionable Solutions

Mobilize Health Volunteers to participate in mental health campaigns engaging youth for online safety.

Build Partnerships

Collaborate with organizations to enhance youth mental health by utilizing resources and expertise.

Outcomes of the campaign

Enhances Public Health

Address mental health issues arising from social media and technology use among youth to reduce their mental health burden and improve overall community health outcomes.

Promotes Sustainable Development

Addressing mental health issues linked to social media and technology use among youth aligns with sustainable development principles, fostering resilience, equity, and well-being for present and future generations.

Empowers Communities

Engaging Health Volunteers in addressing mental health issues related to social media and technology use empowers communities to advocate for healthier and more supportive environments for youth.

What do you get as a Volunteer?

Participating in Health Volunteers campaigns offers an experience equivalent to an internship or fellowship, providing you with invaluable lifelong experience and learning opportunities.

Meaningful Impact

By joining the program, volunteers will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in their communities and contribute to global efforts towards mental health.

Skill Development

Engaging in various activities within the program will allow volunteers to enhance a diverse set of skills, including communication, teamwork, project management, and mental health awareness.

Networking Opportunities

Volunteers will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, experts in the field, and community leaders, expanding their professional network and fostering collaborations for future endeavors.

Recognition and Appreciation

 Volunteers' efforts will be recognized and appreciated by the community, stakeholders, and program organizers, providing a sense of fulfillment and validation for their contributions.

Rewards

Upon completion of the program, volunteers will receive a certificate of participation, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to promoting environmental health and sustainability.

Opportunities for Leadership

The program offers avenues for volunteers to take on leadership roles, guiding and inspiring others in their environmental advocacy journey, thereby fostering a culture of leadership and empowerment.

Learn about Mental Health

How to relax | 8 relaxation tips for your mental health
04:45
Increased screentime and impact on mental mental health
04:51
What Staring At A Screen All Day Is Doing To Your Brain And Body | The Human Body
03:38
How to Do a Digital Detox
04:07

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Pahchan Foundation Logo New (R) 01
cap foundation logo for social wellness
Saday foundation logo
womenite small logo
Yuvanika Logo transparent- small
Reaching Sky Foundation logo – youth empowerment and SDG-focused NGO
Yellow Streets Foundation logo – street engagement and youth-led awareness initiative
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