Karmen Joller: Support must reach children before it is too late
Estonia's Social Minister Karmen Joller emphasizes the need for early mental health support for children and youths, advocating for proactive measures at home, school, and community levels.
In her address at an informal meeting of EU health ministers in Cyprus, Estonian Social Minister Karmen Joller highlighted the critical importance of early intervention in mental health issues for children and young people. She remarked that strategies should not only focus on healthcare systems but also on delivering support within everyday environments such as homes, schools, and local communities. This integrated approach aims to tackle mental health challenges before they escalate into serious problems.
Joller pointed out the necessity for a collaborative effort across various sectors to effectively address mental health concerns, asserting that the existing health systems alone are insufficient. She noted that the mental well-being of children is largely influenced by their daily experiences in ordinary settings, hence, targeting preventive measures and early support where children and youth inhabit is paramount. The Estonian government's strategies reflect this proactive methodology.
The initiative comes at a time when Cyprus holds the presidency of the EU Council and prioritizes mental health among children and youth as a key theme. Joller's call for European-wide solutions to ensure safer and healthier internet usage for children underscores the evolving challenges presented by technology, further necessitating a coordinated response from multiple nations to enhance children's mental health in todayβs digital age.