On Child Protection Day, Estonia highlighted troubling youth wellbeing indicators

On International Child Protection Day, marked on 1 June, Estonian experts drew attention to concerning data regarding the wellbeing of the country's children and young people. Specialists emphasised the need for greater focus on youth mental health and safety. The situation in Estonia requires more effective measures to protect children.

On International Child Protection Day, 1 June, Estonian experts once again highlighted concerning data concerning the wellbeing of the country's children and young people. According to specialists, several areas — including mental health, social safety and access to support services — require urgent attention.

In experts' assessment, in recent years the prevalence of mental health problems among young people has increased. Anxiety, depression and loneliness have become increasingly common phenomena among Estonian schoolchildren, which means the situation requires more effective solutions at both the education system and social services level than previously applied.

Child Protection Day is an annual global observance that provides an opportunity to recall that protecting children's rights is a societal priority. Estonia has signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has committed itself to ensuring every child has a safe and supportive growing environment.

To improve the situation, specialists have recommended strengthening school-based support services, increasing funding for child protection and enhancing cooperation between different institutions. They also emphasised the importance of awareness-raising campaigns targeting parents to help families identify children's need for support early.