Future Council sees need for action on mental illness
Published: Thursday, Nov 23rd 2023, 13:10
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Switzerland's young population is calling for better framework conditions for their mental health. A total of 18 recommendations for action were adopted by the U24 Future Council. There is support from national health organizations.
The topic of mental health is the most urgent concern of the 16 to 24 age group, the U24 Future Council announced in Bern on Thursday.
The 80 Future Councillors, drawn by lot on a representative basis, are calling on politicians, administrators and society to do more for the mental health of the young population in the areas of prevention, education, the workplace and online regulation.
Demand for legal anchoring
The U24 Future Council criticizes the fact that the national healthcare system is not geared towards prevention. Just under two percent of healthcare expenditure is spent in this area. With their recommendations for action, the young people are calling for a national prevention law to prevent mental illness as a legal basis.
A national legal basis for the regulation of social media platforms is also being called for, as the U24 Future Council went on to write. Among other things, digital offerings should be required to comply with age controls and offer youth-friendly versions of content. Advancing digitalization is a possible cause of mental health problems.
Raising awareness in schools and companies
The Council recommends the introduction of the subject "Psychology and Personal Development" at primary and secondary schools. This should make the psyche of children and young people more adaptable.
The recommendations for action also provide for changes in the world of work. Better regulation of availability outside of working hours and stronger protection against discrimination for those affected by mental illness should reduce stress and minimize the risk of mental illness. The introduction of a four-day week was discussed but rejected.
The recommendations of the U24 Future Council are based on three two-day sessions in three language regions. Over 40 experts and stakeholders from research, administration, politics and civil society were involved in the process. The process was monitored by independent bodies.
The national youth and health organization pro Juventute, Unicef Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as Public Health Switzerland were also represented at the media conference on Thursday.
The Future Council U24 is a Swiss council for residents that aims to give young people and young adults a political voice. The project sponsors are the Swiss Unesco Commission and the Swiss Society for the Common Good (SGG).
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