Youth Mental Health in a Digital Age: Risk, Resilience, and What Comes Next
Event Description
Young people today are navigating an increasingly complex world shaped by climate anxiety, conflict, inequality, and rapid technological change. At the same time, rising use of AI and digital platforms is transforming how young people learn, connect, and experience the world, often in ways we are only beginning to understand.
This discussion explores the growing youth mental health crisis through both social and technological lenses. What are the root drivers of stress, loneliness, and identity challenges among young people today? How is technology, including AI, shaping wellbeing, for better and for worse?
We will examine the importance of designing technology with safety, ethics, and inclusion at its core, from protecting against harm to ensuring that young people’s voices shape the systems affecting them. The session will also explore approaches that go beyond crisis response, focusing on building resilience, belonging, and a sense of shared humanity.
Bringing together practitioners, technologists, and youth-focused leaders, this conversation will look at how to create environments, both online and offline, that support healthy development, connection, and long-term wellbeing.
Speakers
Juliana Busasi is Founder & CEO of TAHMEF, leading Tanzania’s national youth mental health initiative to expand access to stigma-free care.
Kathryn Morrissey is Head of Coalition Building, AI Psychological Research Coalition
Lisa Hunter Romanelli is CEO of the REACH Institute, expanding access to effective youth mental health care through training and systems change.
Maria Veiga Barracosa is Head of Strategic Communications and Advocacy at the Human Change Foundation, leading communications and engagement efforts.
Moitreyee Sinha is CEO and Founder of citiesRISE, advancing mental health and wellbeing in urban communities globally.
Sean Jones is Director of Strategic Partnerships at IREX, building collaborations to advance global development and learning initiatives.
Discussion Questions
What are the key drivers of the youth mental health crisis today, and how are they evolving?
How is technology, particularly AI, shaping young people’s mental health and sense of identity?
What does “safe by design” technology look like for children and young people?
How can we better support resilience, belonging, and wellbeing in a rapidly changing world?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.