Well-being of our youth: essentials for their mental, emotional and physical health

BY PAUL JUNOR

The well-being of youth is very important as it impacts all aspects of their lives and can have positive or negative effects on their future. The Ministry of Education in a document, “How Does Learning Happen?” released in 2014 highlighted four foundational conditions that are essential for children to grow and flourish: belonging, well-being, engagement and expression. These foundations or ways of being are part of an overall vision that is the basis of developing the potential of children.

According to the document, “Well-being addresses the importance of physical and mental health. It incorporates capacities such as self-care, sense of self and self-regulation skills.” These are vital life-skills. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “Well-being includes cognitive, emotional, social skills and physical components such as: sleep, diet, exercise and screen time.” This inclusive definition is meant to capture the spectrum of what is essential to growth.

Many educators, parents and guardians are concerned about the well-being of our youth. According to the Toronto District School Board’s 2017 Student and Parent Census Data (released in November, 2018) fewer kids in Grade 7 to 12 enjoy school, feel a sense of belonging and a connection with their teachers. Also, fewer are physically active, eating healthy and report feeling good about themselves, while more say they’re often nervous, stressed and worried about grades. Also on the rise, is the amount of time spent on screens, especially on social media Overall students are not mentally, emotionally and physically well in their lived social realities.

The physical well-being of youth is dependent on their patterns of eating, physical activity and sleep. Studies have shown that if students are not: eating a balanced and healthy diet, not exercising, and getting little sleep, or are in an environment of high stress, this can increase the likelihood of significant health concerns. Furthermore, there is a relationship between cognition and physical and emotional well-being. If children are exposed to an environment where they are safe, secure, and connected to significant others, then there is a greater chance that they will be able to thrive and    flourish.

The importance of self-care among youth cannot be underestimated. As youth develop a strong sense of self, autonomy and competency, they will be able to develop skills that foster resilience and fortitude. These are essential as they maximize protective factors and minimize negative factors through wise decision-making and healthy balanced choices. By developing good coping skills, they are able to overcome the negative effects of stress and minimize anxiety-inducing factors.

The importance of self-regulation is a vital factor that is crucial in youth well-being. “Self-regulation is about how a child is able to effectively deal with stressors and then recover” according to S. Shanker in the book, “Calm, alert and learning: Classroom strategies for self-regulation” published in 2013. It is different from self-control, which involves resisting an impulse or compliance, and suppressing behaviours to avoid punishment or attain a reward. Teachers and parents/guardians play crucial roles by helping to minimize stressors.

The mental health of youth has a direct connection to their wellness. Studies have shown that mental health problems afflicts between 15-21% of school age children, according to Ministry of Children and Youth Services (2006). If these are left untreated, they can have serious and long-lasting implications in term of positive life outcomes. Our youth need safe and supportive environments that will enable them to flourish in the presence of caring adults.