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.
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
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.
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Selected participants will receive an invitation to this insightful and engaging event.
Brochure of Mental Health in Digital Age
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Mental Health in Digital Age
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.