Youth Mental Health Day 2024, organised by stem4, took place on Thursday, 19th September. This year’s theme, #ControlYourScroll, aimed to equip young people with practical strategies for maintaining a healthy and balanced online experience. The initiative focused on helping young people navigate the challenges of the digital world, which has become a major influence on their mental health.
Why #ControlYourScroll?
stem4 introduced #ControlYourScroll after conversations with young people revealed growing concerns about the impact of the digital age on mental health. In a survey of 1,025 young people, 93% reported encountering frightening or distressing content online. The primary concerns included disinformation and fake news (59%), online scams (58%), cyberbullying (52%), and sharing of inappropriate sexual images (39%). Additionally, over half (58%) said they were reluctant to use search engines or apps if they thought the platforms could harm them.
The #ControlYourScroll campaign encouraged young people to take charge of their digital habits by promoting safer online behaviours and raising awareness of the mental health risks posed by unchecked digital consumption. stem4 aimed to reassure young people that they are not alone in their struggles and that prioritising mental health is essential in today’s digital world.
Campaign Resources and Highlights
For Youth Mental Health Day 2024, stem4 provided a wealth of resources for young people, parents, carers, and schools, including clinically-informed guides and activities. These resources, designed to educate and support healthy digital habits, saw over 3,500 downloads. A key highlight was a series of tips shared by stem4’s CEO and founder, Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, on “How to #ControlYourScroll: A Guide for Young People” offering practical advice for navigating challenging online environments. Schools across the country participated in activities like the Youth Mental Health Day School Fundraising Challenge, with many hosting assemblies and lessons centred on mental health awareness.
One week after YMHD, on 26th September, stem4 hosted a special live event for parents and carers on the #ControlYourScroll theme. Dr Nihara Krause MBE and Dr Richard Graham, helped attendees understand how to approach parenting in the digital world. This event, part of stem4’s ongoing efforts, also introduced their new Training Portal, offering continued support to parents.
Social Media Engagement and Key Stats
Youth Mental Health Day 2024 achieved widespread social media success. The campaign video reached a combined audience of 60,000 across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The social media posts generated a total reach of 84,000, with Instagram alone seeing a 45% increase from the previous year, hitting 49,000, and TikTok following with 12,900 views. Twitter was particularly impactful, where the hashtag #YouthMentalHealthDay became the No.1 trending topic, amassing 59.6 million impressions from 1,660 tweets.
Support poured in from major organisations and public figures, including Manchester United FC, 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Samaritans. Additionally, 52% of organisations that shared social media posts used official stem4 graphics, amplifying the campaign’s reach.
Today is #YouthMentalHealthDay 💜
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) September 19, 2024
If you're struggling, or worried about someone you know, you don't have to do it alone.
Small steps can make a big difference.
For help and support, visit: https://t.co/Xf7AkqrTvD#MentalHealthAwareness pic.twitter.com/MLbL7k2z3P
Key Findings: Early Intervention is Essential
Alongside the campaign, stem4 released a report based on their survey of 1,025 young people, which highlighted the increasing risks posed by the digital world. A striking 86% of respondents expressed concern about social media’s negative effects on their mental and physical health, with 41% feeling unable to disengage from harmful platforms. Despite recognising the risks, many young people, especially those aged 12-14, admitted difficulty in regulating their use of apps that could cause harm.
Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, founder of stem4, emphasised the need for digital literacy and skill-building in young people to help them identify and combat the dangers of online content. Banning apps, she noted, may not be the solution, as young people will always find ways to access social media. Instead, the focus should be on providing them with the tools to safely navigate the digital landscape.
Looking Ahead
Youth Mental Health Day 2024 highlighted the critical importance of supporting young people’s mental health, especially in today’s digital world. With campaigns like #ControlYourScroll, stem4 continues to lead the charge in promoting well-being and addressing the unique online challenges faced by youth. While the day may have passed, the conversation hasn’t. Our 2024 #ControlYourScroll resources remain available for download here to help young people navigate the digital landscape with confidence and care.
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Youth Mental Health Day 2024 a success. Your support is instrumental in driving change, and together, we look forward to making an even bigger impact in 2025.
As we move forward, stem4 will continue to provide valuable insights and tools throughout the year. Whether you’re a young person or someone who supports them, stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter. You’ll also gain early access to new content through our Training Portal, ensuring you’re always equipped with the latest strategies to foster mental health in a fast-paced, digital age.
