Youth mental health committee launched

A new committee has launched to address youth mental health in Taiwan. Chaired by National Taiwan University deputy dean Gau Shur-fen, the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Committee focuses on legal reforms, cross-ministry coordination, and preventive care.

The initiative comes as recent data indicates a lifetime prevalence for psychiatric disorders among young people at 31.6 percent. Specific issues like ADHD and depression affect significant portions of the youth population. Legislators noted that over 8 percent of adolescents have considered suicide. Emergency medical capacity for these cases remains limited, and gaps persist in referral systems for junior and senior high school students.

KMT Legislator Chen Ching-hui highlighted that one-fifth of students face emotional distress, while cyberbullying linked to social media use continues to rise. The committee plans to move away from simple restrictions on internet usage, focusing instead on educational reforms. They will provide resources for educators, social workers, and medical professionals to create a more effective support structure.

Additional concerns raised by officials include the impact of academic pressure and family expectations on mental wellness. Legislators pointed out that a shortage of medical professionals complicates the response to rising demand. The committee intends to bridge communication between government ministries to ensure that mental health policies reach those who need support most effectively.