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Gen Z is deeply engaged with global issues, consumes news more than any other form of content, and is eager to shape the future, according to a new study released during the Social Innovation Summit in San Francisco from the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, a UNICEF-led, private sector partnership initiative.
Despite their resilience, creativity and determination, a worrying combination of geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, economic uncertainty and mental health challenges is leaving young people feeling overwhelmed, disempowered and adrift without adequate mental health support or services.
The study, based on a survey of more than 5,600 Gen Z aged 14-25 globally, found that:
- Gen Z consumes news more than any other content, with six in 10 feeling overwhelmed by current events.
- Four in 10 still feel stigma around speaking out about mental health in schools and workplaces.
- Only half know where to find resources to support their mental health.
- Just 55% believe they have effective coping mechanisms to support their mental health and wellbeing.
- Activities rooted in movement, mindfulness, and social connection, such as walking, playing, or spending time with friends and family, are considered the most effective for supporting mental health.
- Despite these pressures, 60% remain hopeful and want to contribute to shaping a better future.
“This report provides a vital glimpse into the collective unease Gen Z are feeling at the current state of the world, and the persistent gaps in the resources they need to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, which is negatively impacting their sense of agency,” said UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships Carla Haddad Mardini. “This generation of young people have the hope, expertise and commitment needed to build a more compassionate and resilient world and it is up to the collective efforts of governments, educators, businesses, foundations and the private sector more widely to work with young people to ensure the necessary support is there.”
The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, established by UNICEF with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation, brings together businesses, including, lululemon, Jo Malone London, Pinterest, Rituals, Sony Group Corporation, Spotify and Zurich Insurance Group, to address the increasing global burden of mental health in children and young people. To date, the coalition has collectively invested more than $35 million in child and youth mental health.
“The time of fragmented solutions is behind us. It’s time to unite across sectors, foster bold collaboration among decision-makers, scale what works, and invest in systems that put young people at the heart of every strategy. For the private sector, this is not just a responsibility — it’s a powerful opportunity to drive innovation and shape a future where business success and youth empowerment go hand in hand,” Gregory Renand, head of the Z Zurich Foundation said via a statement.
Despite growing awareness and resource availability, the study findings show many young people still lack clarity on where to turn for help and how to build effective coping skills. Gen Z wants to play an active role in caring for their own mental health, but they also expect governments, schools, employers, and businesses to take responsibility.
As efforts to accelerate progress on child and youth mental health ramp up ahead of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health in September, the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health is calling for more private sector entities to join its efforts. The goal: to co-create and scale solutions that ensure children, youth and caregivers can access quality mental health promotion, prevention and care.
