Youth Mental Health Crisis Surges 87% in Italy

A significant rise in mental health issues among Italian youth has been reported, with Telefono Azzurro's helpline experiencing an 87.2% increase in calls during the first nine months of 2026. This surge brings the total to 1,286 cases, up from 687 in the same period last year.

Mental health concerns now represent the primary reason for over one in three requests for assistance, a notable increase from previous years. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of these reported mental health incidents involved suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or suicide attempts. Anxiety, sadness, and loneliness are identified as frequent indicators among adolescents, with an average age of 15.

The organization is collaborating with the University of Bologna and the Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna to host a meeting on psychological well-being for young people. The event will focus on challenges posed by the digital world, including social media pressure and cyberbullying, aiming to foster dialogue and develop concrete solutions for prevention and support.

Young people are increasingly using text-based communication, with 85% of initial contacts made via chat or WhatsApp. The average age of users is 15, and seven out of ten are girls. Telefono Azzurro emphasizes the crucial role of digital life for adolescents and the impact of societal pressures and technological evolution on their well-being.