Faced with the rise of mental health issues among adolescents, the Educational City of Nice/Saint-Laurent-du-Var is multiplying its actions to better support young people. An event organized by Atelier Canopé highlights these initiatives.
The well-being of young people is a grand concern. According to the EnCLASS 2022 survey, one in seven adolescents is at risk of depression. In response to this finding, the Atelier Canopé of Nice organized an event to inform and raise awareness among parents, teachers, and educators.
This event, part of the program of the Educational City of Nice/Saint-Laurent-du-Var, aims to strengthen support systems for young people in difficulty.
An issue that has become a national priority
Since the Covid-19 crisis, the mental health of young people has significantly deteriorated. This situation is concerning at the highest levels of the State, as indicated by former Prime Minister Michel Barnier during a visit to Vienne, on the occasion of Mental Health Day: “I would like the primary priority of this cause to be to destigmatize mental illnesses.”
The impact is also visible in schools. “Mental health influences academic success and learning. It is a subject that concerns everyone,” emphasizes Nathalie Gustinelli, a trainer at Atelier Canopé.
A collective effort on the ground
The Educational City acts to coordinate the actors already present in the territory. Its role is to connect teachers, health professionals, and associations so they can work together. “Our mission is to show what already exists, to create synergies. An actor who wants to launch an action should know they are not alone,” explains Nathalie Gustinelli.
During the event, several speakers took the floor, notably:
- Dr. Emmanuelle Dor: child psychiatrist, on identifying mental health issues.
- Dr. Caroline Nocca: addiction specialist, on the links between addictions and mental health.
- Julien Podevin: educator, on the impact of digital technology on young people.
A forum space also allowed visitors to discover local resources and educational tools.
Training teachers and supporting parents
Teachers and parents are on the frontline to detect signs of distress among adolescents. The Canopé network offers them educational content, videos, and scientific articles on the mental health of young people.
“We offer accessible resources to help teachers and families better understand these issues,” specifies Nathalie Gustinelli.
Towards better management?
When asked what the levers for improvement for the future are, Nathalie Gustinelli answers: “We must strengthen co-education. A child evolves within a whole: family, school, extracurricular activities… All these actors must act together.”
Small actions can sometimes make a difference. “Creating a support network among professionals allows better guidance for young people and addressing their needs.”
Through initiatives like this, the Educational City of Nice/Saint-Laurent-du-Var hopes to better protect the mental health of young people and prevent them from falling into isolation.
