As we mark International Youth Day, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, creativity and potential of young people around the world. It is also a time to recognise the unique challenges they face as they navigate adolescence and early adulthood in an increasingly complex world.
Today’s young people are growing up in an environment unlike any previous generation. While technology has created incredible opportunities for learning, connection and self-expression, it has also introduced new pressures. Many are balancing academic expectations, social media, uncertainty about the future and the everyday challenges of growing up—all at the same time.
For parents, understanding these pressures is an important step towards providing meaningful support.
A generation under pressure
Many young people today experience constant comparison. Social media can create unrealistic expectations about appearance, success, friendships and happiness, making it easy to feel as though they are falling behind.
Alongside this, academic demands continue to increase. Exams, coursework, university applications and career decisions can leave young people feeling that every choice they make will determine their future.
Many also face concerns about financial security, global events and the rapidly changing world around them. These worries can contribute to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and emotional overwhelm.
The challenges aren’t always visible
One of the most difficult aspects of emotional wellbeing is that struggles are not always obvious.
A young person may continue attending school, spending time with friends and maintaining daily routines while quietly experiencing anxiety, low mood or burnout. Others may become withdrawn, irritable or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Parents might notice changes such as:
- Emotional withdrawal
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- School avoidance
- Low motivation
- Loss of confidence
These behaviours are not always signs of defiance or laziness. More often, they are indicators that a young person may be finding it difficult to cope with the pressures they are carrying.
How parents can make a difference
While parents cannot remove every challenge their young person will encounter, they can provide one of the most powerful protective factors: a safe, supportive relationship.
Simple, everyday actions can make a meaningful difference.
Take time to check in regularly without judgement. Listen with curiosity rather than rushing to offer solutions. Celebrate effort instead of perfection, and remind your young person that setbacks are a normal part of learning and growing.
Encouraging healthy routines around sleep, physical activity, balanced nutrition and time away from screens can also help support emotional wellbeing.
Most importantly, let your young person know that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
Looking ahead with hope
International Youth Day reminds us that behind every young person is enormous potential. While today’s challenges are real, so too is young people’s capacity for resilience, growth and positive change when they are surrounded by understanding, encouragement and the right support.
