During this year’s Economic Forum in Karpacz, Prof. Mirosław Grewiński, rector of the Janusz Korczak University of Pedagogy in Warsaw and expert on the project “Suicidology – state of knowledge analysis and educational campaign” carried out by the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, spoke about the growing problem of emotional crises among children and young people. In an interview with Menedżer Zdrowia, he pointed to the multidimensional causes of this phenomenon and the need to take decisive preventive action.
Why is the younger generation more vulnerable?
According to Prof. Grewiński, children and teenagers are growing up in times of unprecedented geopolitical, demographic, ecological, and technological uncertainty. This situation is compounded by the rapid development of technology, which neither parents nor schools can keep up with. This results in a decline in the mental resilience of young people and their isolation in facing difficulties.
The family and school, which could provide support, often fail to fulfill this function. Family dysfunction, parents’ lack of time, the oppressive nature of some educational institutions, and pressure to perform are factors that exacerbate emotional problems. Prof. Grewiński also emphasized the role of the internet and social media, where young people have unlimited access to violent or pornographic content, and adults have no real influence in this area.
The expert reminded us that lockdown and isolation have caused serious deficiencies in the emotional and social development of children and young people. As a result, many people today are unable to cope with their own emotions, and the lack of support from family or school exacerbates this condition.
What can be done? – the need for coordinated action
Prof. Grewiński pointed out that Poland has three decades of neglect in the field of mental health care for children and young people behind it. Although there have been positive changes in recent years – the development of community psychiatry, greater access to psychologists, and a decline in the number of suicides among young people – these measures are still insufficient.
“Years of neglect have meant that we are not where we should be,” the expert concluded.
We invite you to listen to the entire interview:
Between drama and statistics
Under the patronage of SGMK, during the 34th Economic Forum in Karpacz, a debate was organized entitled “Between drama and statistics – an interdisciplinary analysis of the state of (un)knowledge about suicide among young people.” The panel brought together experts from various fields who discussed the challenges of suicide prevention, gaps in public awareness, and the need to introduce systemic solutions to support the mental health of young people.
The discussion was attended by, among others, Prof. Gertruda Uścińska, Rector of SGMK, Prof. Mirosław Grewiński, Rector of Korczak University – Academy of Applied Sciences, Dr. Jolanta Łodzińska, Prof. UKSW, Dr. Marcin Zarzecki (UKSW), Dr. Dariusz Budrowski (SGMK), and Rev. Tomasz Trzaska. The full recording of the debate is available on the SGMK YouTube channel.
Read more about SGMK’s participation in this year’s Forum in the post: https://www.sgmk.edu.pl/sgmk-is-a-partner-of-the-xxxiv-economic-forum-in-karpacz/.
