Why This Matters:
Youth (aged 0-24) issues are human rights issues. The United Nations has outlined the rights of youth and the particular challenges they face including: participation in civics, school to work transition, access to health, housing and their community writ large. Municipalities can do a lot to support youth in their communities. This will become particularly important as the population of Simcoe County is expected to increase; therefore, attracting and keeping families and youth in the area will be key.
An increasing issue for youth is mental health. With often having to balance school/work, extracurriculars, sports, and a personal life, the share of youth having mental health issues is on the rise. Over 2/3 of youth in Ontario have concerns about their anxiety levels, but only 1/3 ever get help from a professional. As mental health problems can significantly put back youth (our future), it is important for municipal governments to do their part in the fight against the youth mental health crisis.
An increasing issue for youth is mental health. With often having to balance school/work, extracurriculars, sports, and a personal life, the share of youth having mental health issues is on the rise. Over 2/3 of youth in Ontario have concerns about their anxiety levels, but only 1/3 ever get help from a professional. As mental health problems can significantly put back youth (our future), it is important for municipal governments to do their part in the fight against the youth mental health crisis.
Did You Know…?
- According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:
- 22% of Simcoe Muskoka students (Grades 7-12) experienced severe psychological distress. Psychological distress among Ontario students increased significantly in 2019 when compared with 2015 with 14%.
- 20% of Simcoe Muskoka students (Grades 7-12) reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. High school students and those with lower perceived socioeconomic status (SES) reported suicidal ideation significantly more than did grade seven and eight students, and those with higher perceived SES.
- 15% of children under 18 live in low income SMDHU
- 11% of unhoused people in Simcoe County identify as a youth (16-24 years old) simcoe.ca
- Unemployment rates in youth are higher than for the adult population. The rates have ranged from 10% to 12% in our region
What You Can Do As A Municipal Leader:
- Partner with local mental health agencies to provide space for drop-in counselling/therapy sessions for youth in non-clinical settings (ie. libraries, rec centres, etc)
- Review the Youth Vision of Simcoe County to learn more about how youth see their communities and the changes they’d like to see
- Establish youth advisory council in your municipality to get direct feedback from youth on issues important to them
- Recognize the co-benefits of an affordable housing strategy, reducing poverty and diversifying your transportation network on youth issues. Ensure that your policies and official plan documents reflect a vision of building a more accessible, equitable and prosperous community.
- Reach out to youth-led organizations to seek partnerships, learn from them and to work together on issues impacting youth, including Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance and Sustainable Orillia Youth Council.
Local Organizations That Can Help:
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