In collaboration with the Dutch Youth Institute (Nederlands Jeugdinstituut) and MIND Us, researchers from Healthy Start have drawn up a position paper advocating for a transdisciplinary approach to supporting young people in their mental well-being. The position paper was published in scientific journal Jeugd in Ontwikkeling (Youth in Development).

The position paper argues that transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to tackle the complex mental health issues surrounding young people. By joining forces and bringing together researchers, young people, policymakers, and societal organisations, we can incorporate all perspectives in developing an effective approach.

This new approach is urgently needed, as the mental well-being of young people in the Netherlands is under increasing pressure. There are various initiatives in the Netherlands that aim to tackle this problem, but there is uncertainty about their effectiveness, impact, and quality. In the search for solutions, it is crucial to align with the needs of young people, especially by focusing on factors that can empower them.

The position paper highlights four key focus areas:

1. The power of role models

2. Smartphone use in schools

3. The impact of music

4. The influence of sleep and physical activity

The position paper is linked to the Healthy Start ambition ‘Mental well-being of youth’ and was published in the scientific journal Jeugd in Ontwikkeling (Youth in Development).