After Kekin, Dolenec has become an expert on youth mental health?!
In Zagreb, a panel discussion on youth mental health was held with notable political figures, raising questions about the blending of politics and expertise in addressing this crucial issue.
Recently, a discussion on youth mental health took place in Zagreb, following an event where Ivana Kekin, a representative of the Možemo! party, spoke about the topic at a local high school. The City of Zagreb organized another event focused on mental health at the Community Board Samoborček, involving prominent figures including Deputy Mayor Danijela Dolenec and IX Gymnasium principal Sonja Lušić Radošević. Interestingly, the event was framed more from a political perspective rather than a purely expert-driven one, as evidenced by the nature of the participants in attendance.
Ivana Kekin's approach to discussing youth mental health, similar to other political figures, has sparked discussions about the role of politicians in addressing sensitive topics like mental health care and preventing bullying among youth. Critics have noted that while these discussions are important, the involvement of political figures may overshadow the contributions of actual mental health experts, potentially leading to a public perception that equates political advocacy with professional expertise.
The event aimed to facilitate a conversation among parents, teachers, and community members regarding mental health issues faced by young people. However, the announcement of the panel and its political undertones have raised concerns about whether the intended message of seeking expert guidance is being diluted by political affiliations and activities, thus challenging the effectiveness of such initiatives in truly addressing youth mental health issues.