Mental health of young people in the border region of concern
The Euregional Youth Scan 2023 provides important insights into the health status of young people in the border region between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study, conducted in collaboration with 14 healthcare organizations from the three countries, has mapped the health of young people in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion (EMR) and the Rhine-Meuse-North Euroregion (ERMN).
Thanks to the close cooperation between partner organizations, the Euregional Youth Scan 2023 represents the most comprehensive questionnaire in both Euroregions so far. In the fall of 2023, approximately 25,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 were anonymously surveyed. In addition to health and risk behaviors, the survey also assessed the mental health of young people.
The results show that more than a third of young people in this border region experience mental health issues, with loneliness and stress being particularly prominent. Girls generally rate their mental health worse than boys. These findings align with an international trend pointing to a concerning decline in the mental health of young people.
The Euroregional results underscore the importance of early intervention and call for appropriate measures for young people in the border region. Learning from each other plays an important role here - for example, by considering successful approaches from neighboring countries.
The full results of the study can be viewed here.The project in the Rhine-Meuse-North Euroregion is co-funded by Interreg Germany-Netherlands.