A Practical Guide to Nurturing Youth Mental Health

Angela Earley
Sep 20
2 min read

Children with colorful backpacks walk towards Northwood Elementary entrance. Fall leaves scattered on the ground. Building says "Welcome." — A comforting moment as one friend offers support to another, sitting on a park bench beneath a tree during a golden sunset.

A Practical Guide to Nurturing Youth Mental Health

Strike a Healthy Balance: In a world filled with constant pressures and distractions, it's crucial to be intentional about creating a positive and structured environment. This means actively setting boundaries to limit negative influences while making a conscious effort to carve out time and space for activities that promote well-being. By deliberately choosing balance, young people can detach from the noise and focus on what truly matters.
Become a Savvy Media Consumer: Instead of simply banning social media, a more effective approach is to cultivate critical media literacy. This involves teaching young people to thoughtfully analyze the content they consume, identify trustworthy sources, and understand the intent behind the information being shared. By developing these skills, they can use media as a tool for education and connection rather than a source of stress and depression.
Foster Real-World Connections: Meaningful, in-person relationships are a powerful protective factor for mental wellness. A significant part of social development happens through face-to-face interactions, which is why it's so important to encourage young people to put down their devices and engage with others directly. These real-world connections build a strong support system and a sense of belonging.
Model Healthy Tech Habits: Adults' online habits are increasingly similar to those of younger generations, making it essential for everyone to practice healthy screen time habits. This includes setting boundaries for device use and being mindful of the content consumed. It's recommended to delay giving a child a phone until they are mature enough to regulate their own use and prevent it from interfering with sleep, schoolwork, and real-world social activities.
Cultivate Independence and Resilience: Providing young people with opportunities to solve problems on their own and find satisfaction in their own work and play is vital for developing independence. This means allowing them to get out into the world, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. By encouraging them to engage in activities that stretch their abilities, we help them build resilience and self-confidence.
Promote Accurate Understanding and Compassion: While increased awareness of mental health is beneficial for reducing stigma and promoting wellness habits, it's important to differentiate between normal life struggles and more serious mental illnesses. We should foster a compassionate environment where young people feel comfortable seeking help, while also avoiding the tendency to pathologize everyday challenges.