Tuesday, April 22, 2025
More

    Unprecedented Challenges Facing Our Youth

    Date:

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Young people in Canada and the USA stand at a precipice, inheriting a world brimming with potential yet fraught with unprecedented complexities. While often idealized as a period of carefree growth and opportunity, adolescence and young adulthood in these North American nations are increasingly marked by a confluence of economic anxieties, social pressures, and mental health struggles. Understanding the multifaceted difficulties these young individuals face is crucial for fostering a supportive environment that allows them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

    One of the most significant hurdles is the escalating cost of living, particularly in relation to stagnant or slowly rising wages for entry-level positions. The dream of homeownership, a cornerstone of previous generations’ aspirations, feels increasingly out of reach for many young Canadians and Americans burdened by student loan debt, high rental costs, and the ever-increasing price of necessities. This economic precarity can delay crucial life milestones, such as starting a family or achieving financial independence, leading to feelings of frustration and disillusionment. The gig economy, while offering flexibility, often lacks the stability and benefits necessary for long-term financial security, further exacerbating these anxieties.

    Mental Health Crisis

    Young people in Canada and the USA are grappling with a mental health crisis, with studies showing 1 in 4 Canadian youth diagnosed with a mental illness and suicide as a leading cause of death for those aged 15-34, particularly among Indigenous groups (Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund). In the USA, reports indicate a 57% increase in youth suicide rates before COVID and 44% of high school students feeling persistently sad or hopeless (Surgeon General’s Youth Mental Health Stats). Social media exacerbates these issues, contributing to anxiety, especially among marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ youth.

    Education and Job Market Barriers

    Education costs are a burden, with over 50% of Canadian bachelor’s graduates carrying student debt (Canadian Youth Statistics), and similar trends in the USA, where rising tuition leaves many with loans impacting financial stability. The job market adds pressure, with economic slowdowns leading to lower lifetime earnings for those graduating during recessions, affecting career opportunities, especially for racial and economic minorities.

    Housing Affordability Crisis

    Housing affordability is a shared challenge, with 32% of Canadian youth in 2022 unable to buy or move due to costs (Canadian Youth Well-being), and similar issues in the USA, where high prices and interest rates delay homeownership, pushing youth into precarious living situations or back to parental homes, limiting independence.

    Climate Anxiety and Future Uncertainty

    Climate change disproportionately impacts youth, with reports noting children under 5 bearing 88% of the global disease burden from climate change (UNICEF Children’s Futures 2025). Young Canadians express frustration over inadequate climate policies, feeling burdened by future environmental debts (Young Canadians Climate Debt), and in the USA, youth-led climate movements reflect their anxiety about a sustainable future, compounded by economic and social pressures.


    Report: Challenges Faced by Young People in Canada and the USA

    This report examines the difficulties encountered by young people, typically aged 15 to 30, in Canada and the USA, focusing on mental health, education and job market barriers, housing affordability, and climate anxiety. Drawing from recent studies and statistical data, it highlights shared experiences and national contexts, offering a comprehensive overview as of April 1, 2025.

    Introduction

    Young people in Canada and the USA are navigating a complex landscape shaped by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, social pressures, and environmental crises. These challenges, often interconnected, impact their well-being, future prospects, and societal roles. This report synthesizes findings from various sources, acknowledging the lack of 2025-specific data and relying on 2023-2024 trends, which are likely to persist given their structural nature.

    Mental Health Crisis

    Mental health has emerged as a critical issue for youth in both nations. In Canada, recent surveys indicate that 1 in 4 youth have been diagnosed with a mental illness, with suicide being the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-34 (Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund). The suicide rate is particularly high among Indigenous youth, at 5 to 6 times the non-Indigenous rate, and gender-diverse youth face similar risks. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study, conducted with the World Health Organization, highlights increased psychological distress, especially post-COVID, with many youth lacking access to care due to long waits and stigma (Canadian Youth Mental Health Trends).

    In the USA, the Surgeon General’s reports underscore a pre-COVID 57% increase in youth suicide rates and 44% of high school students feeling persistently sad or hopeless (Surgeon General’s Youth Mental Health Stats). Emergency room visits for suicide attempts rose 51% for adolescent girls in early 2021 compared to 2019, with a 4% increase for boys (Pandemic Impact on Youth Mental Health). Social media is a significant factor, with frequent use linked to depression and anxiety, particularly among marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ youth, who face additional barriers to care (Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory).

    Education and Job Market Barriers

    Education and employment opportunities are increasingly challenging for youth. In Canada, over 50% of bachelor’s graduates carry student debt, similar to trends in the early 2000s, with access and quality dependent on location and wealth (Canadian Youth Statistics, Youth Education and Debt). Indigenous youth, in particular, have lower post-secondary completion rates due to transportation and support system gaps (Canada’s State of Youth Report). The rising cost of living, including tuition, forces many to work while studying, limiting career opportunities.

    In the USA, rising tuition costs leave many with significant student loans, impacting financial stability. The job market adds pressure, with economic slowdowns leading to labor market scarring. Research from the American Economic Journal suggests graduating during a recession can result in lower lifetime earnings, with employers raising skill requirements for open positions, reducing pay and promotion opportunities (Economic Impact on Canadian Youth). This affects young people, especially racial and economic minorities, competing for fewer jobs in both countries.

    Housing Affordability Crisis

    Housing affordability is a shared and pressing challenge. In Canada, 32% of youth in 2022 wanted to buy a home or move to a new rental but decided against it due to price concerns, amid high inflation and interest rates (Canadian Youth Well-being). Urban centers see skyrocketing rents, pushing youth into precarious living situations or back to parental homes, delaying independence. Reports highlight the need for affordable independent housing options, especially for those with mental health or organizational challenges (Housing for Brain Injury and Homelessness).

    In the USA, similar trends show young adults delayed homeownership due to high prices and interest rates, with housing policy often biased toward protecting existing homeowners’ equity rather than addressing youth affordability (Young Canadians Housing Challenges). This exacerbates financial stress, limiting youth’s ability to establish independent lives, particularly in urban areas where rents are unaffordable.

    Climate Anxiety and Future Uncertainty

    Climate change disproportionately impacts youth, who will inherit its consequences. Reports indicate children under 5 bear 88% of the global disease burden associated with climate change, with temperatures on track to rise by at least 2°C by 2100 (UNICEF Children’s Futures 2025). Young Canadians express frustration over inadequate climate policies, feeling burdened by future environmental debts, with housing and local planning decisions adding to their economic pressures (Young Canadians Climate Debt). In the USA, youth-led climate movements, such as those advocating for policy changes, reflect their anxiety about a sustainable future, compounded by economic and social pressures, creating a sense of intergenerational inequity.

    Comparative Analysis

    Both countries share core challenges, but nuances exist. Canada’s Indigenous youth face additional barriers in education and mental health, while the USA sees higher reported rates of youth mental health distress, possibly due to different survey methodologies. Housing affordability is a universal issue, but Canada’s universal healthcare system may mitigate some mental health access issues compared to the USA’s privatized system. Climate anxiety is a global concern, with youth in both nations feeling the weight of future responsibility.

    Conclusion

    Young people in Canada and the USA face a confluence of mental health crises, economic barriers, housing challenges, and climate anxiety, shaping a generation navigating uncertainty. Addressing these requires policy interventions like affordable education, expanded mental health support, housing initiatives, and robust climate action to ensure their resilience and future prosperity. As of April 1, 2025, these trends, based on 2023-2024 data, are likely to persist, necessitating urgent action.

    Table: Summary of Key Challenges

    ChallengeCanada ExampleUSA Example
    Mental Health1 in 4 youth diagnosed, high Indigenous suicide rates57% increase in youth suicide pre-COVID, 44% feel sad
    Education/Job Market50%+ graduates with debt, labor market scarringRising tuition, lower earnings during recessions
    Housing Affordability32% unable to buy/move in 2022 due to costsDelayed homeownership, high urban rents
    Climate AnxietyFrustration over policy, future environmental debtYouth-led movements, sense of intergenerational inequity

    Key Citations

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    POPULAR

    More Good Stuff!
    Related

    The Ambassador: Why Would the US Government brief Elon Musk on China War Plans?

    There is no credible information or reporting to suggest...

    Transit and Transportation Updates following the announcement of Ace Cabs closure

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood is...

    VIDEO | #GREATMATCH Waters Waters v Johnson Black at the Daytona Beach Open

    Watch the Women's Doubles Championship match: (2) Waters/Waters v...

    Canada is not an economic basket case

    By David Suzuki In 1987, Canada was caught up in...

    Town Council Appoints Acting Chief Administrative Officer

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    The lot fit 9 McMansions. They built 44 small homes for locals instead

    Kirsten Dirksen Maggie and John Randolph kept losing employees priced...

    ‘No one can find a rental, it’s insane’: Real estate mogul | CUOMO

    Some California residents are having trouble finding a new...

    Milkbarn Sessions – Saturday April 19th | MUST STASH HAT w Molecular Band & Jimi Hawk

    Must Stash Hat plays two sets of epic funkiness...

    Enchanted Evening and Fundraiser | Save Georgian Bay

    Join us with like-minded neighbours and friends on August...

    County further expands open data portal with insights into the early learning and child care system across the region

    Midhurst/December 11, 2024 – The County of Simcoe has once...

    Remembering the Heroes of D-Day: An Eternal Salute | Collingwood Pays Respect

    Photo: Piper Al Wallace, Bugler Rob Chamber, Cadets CMWO...

    Freakin at the Beacon with Johnny Max for TWO SETS!!!

    We have Johnny Max for 2 sets - filling...

    Ally Vitally: The Revolutionary LLaMA 3.1: A New Era of AI

    A team of brilliant engineers at Meta AI has...

    #BIGEVENT Hockey Day in Collingwood | Wednesday, January 15th

    Good Luck to all Collingwood Minor Hockey players taking...

    Keeping Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Four Winds Music Fest Presents: Golden Leaves Day Fest

    Join us for a day filled with golden leaves,...

    VIDEO | The Men Who Stole the World (and got away with it) | Best Documentary

    They're bankers, traders, investment funds executives. They forgot all...

    TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO INPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    The Very Popular Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market Opens This Saturday

    Local vendors feature a wide range of organic vegetables...

    Baptiste shares the Top 30 Catchiest Songs from Classic Movie Musicals

    We're still tapping out toes to these songs decades...

    TRAFFIC TIP LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES – WASAGA BEACH

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment...

    How Las Vegas’ Sphere Actually Works

    Sitting in the Sphere should make you feel like...

    Collingwood’s Waterfront: A New Era of Opportunity and Community Access

    by Rick Crouch | Dec 5, 2024 | Community Issues, Municipal Affairs, Planning and Development, Real Estate...

    Statement from the Office of the Mayor – Resignation of Councillor Houston

    Collingwood, ON - It is with understanding and respect...

    Cellphone Infraction Leads to Impaired Charges for Blue Mountains Resident

    (TINY TOWNSHIP, ON) -  A traffic stop for a cellphone infraction...

    OPP Seeking Assistance with Missing Person Investigation in Tiny Township

    LOCATED SAFE Late in the morning hours of November 16,...

    OPP Snowmobile Patrol Out on the Trails over the Weekend to Help Keep Riders Safe and More DYK Information

    (MIDLAND,ON) - Riders on the local Ontario Federation of Snowmobile...

    Hike & Bike for Hospice | Sunday May 26th, 2024

    On Sunday May 26th, 2024, get ready to Hike...

    Climate progress is unstoppable, despite U.S. election

    By David Suzuki Saying the U.S. election result is a...

    Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Service:Phase 2 Launching January 6, 2025

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood is pleased...

    Federico Staksrud vs Jack Sock at the Selkirk Red Rock Open Presented by Pickleball Central

    Watch the Men’s Singles Championship match: (1) Federico Staksrud...

    Immune-Boosting Foods to Eat During Winter to Help You Stay Healthy

    As winter rolls in, it brings cold weather and...

    Why Hurricanes Are Becoming More Dangerous | Neil deGrasse Tyson

    How do big hurricanes form? Neil deGrasse Tyson teams...

    CANCELLED | Strawberry Moon Festival | Milkbarn Sessions | June 22nd

    A night dedicated to celebrate Music, Art and Fashion...

    THE AMBASSADOR: Navigating the Dragon’s Fury: How China Might Retaliate

    President Trump's imposition of a sweeping 34% tariff on...

    China’s new Unitree B2-W robot dog boasts incredible agility and balance

    A Chinese company has unveiled the Unitree B2-W quadruped...

    County invests in regional hospice and palliative care services

    Midhurst/October 21, 2024 – Last week County of Simcoe Councillors...

    Special Meeting of Council – January 10, 2025

    The January 10, 2025 Special Council Meeting Agenda Package...

    When the Frogs Fell Silent | Collingwood Climate Action Team

    By: Deborah M. Buehler “What’s so special about the frogs...

    Collingwood Fire is inviting you to have some fun this Fire Prevention Week October 6-12

    Collingwood, ON  –  October 6-12, 2024, marks the 102nd anniversary...

    Great Bear Sea initiative shows vision of Indigenous leadership

    By David Suzuki Despite decades of destructive logging and fishing...

    Celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 

    Midhurst/April 14, 2025 – From April 13 to 19, communities...

    Preparing for the AI Job Market: Essential Studies for Young People

    The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming...

    Nation’s top vaccine official quits over RFK Jr’s ‘lies’

    Top FDA vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks is resigning...

    2 DEAD FOLLOWING COLLISION

    Driver Arrested; Charges Laid (SPRINGWATER TWP., ON) - The Huronia West...

    Canada’s Massive $12B Mega Dam

    The Site C Dam is a hydroelectric megaproject in...

    OPP CHARGE WEST PARRY SOUND RESIDENT IN AN ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION

    (Parry Sound, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child...

    STRUCTURE FIRE IN WASAGA, ONE LOCATED DECEASED

    The image is for illustrative purposes. (Huronia West, ON) - Members...

    Plastic People – The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics

    Together with White Pine Pictures, Be The Change Film...

    Yanis Varoufakis: What to watch for in 2025 – Trump, the US dollar, and China

    Yanis Varoufakis dives into the key global trends and...

    Rocktoberfest 2024 Takes Over Wasaga Beach! 

    This September, experience the thrill of Wasaga Beach’s first-ever...

    Profit Obsession Inflames Environmental Racism

    By David Suzuki Pollution is so bad along the 137-kilometre...

    ONGOING RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

    Avoid Using Gas-Powered Equipment Indoors (ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial...

    Erin McCallum & Teddy Leonard: Alone Together | John Saunders Centre

    Back, by popular request, the 3rd “Alone Together” show...

    Walking Through the Fire – A Powerful Celebration of Indigenous Collaborations with Sultans of String

    Collingwood, ON - Prepare for an unforgettable evening...

    PROJECT ATLAS LIVE CHAT: Crypto Scams Unmasked

    OPP Reveals the Dark Side of Digital Investments (OTTAWA, Ont.) - The...

    TBM Fire Department Reminds Residents to “Spring Forward” by Changing Clocks and Alarm Batteries

    The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department would...

    FOUR DRIVERS CHARGED WITH OPERATION WHILE IMPAIRED IN ONE NIGHT

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment...

    Top 10 Points from the Veolia LA Open Presented by Deep Eddy Vodka

    Watch the Top 10 Points from the Veolia LA...

    Ignorance of nature will push us over the edge

    By David Suzuki A major initiative in the U.K. has...

    John Wort Hannam – Sunday, April 27 | MEAFORD HALL

    Opening: Drew McIvor Sunday, April 27 2pm | $35John Wort Hannam...

    WOW Johns/Tardio v Garnett/Loong at the Carvana Mesa Cup

    Watch the Men's Doubles Quarter Finals Match: (2) Johns/Tardio...

    VIDEO | Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe fires up at “Jazz & Blues Live at The Station”

    Special thanks to, Charlie Gudaitis, and the "A Team"...

    THINK BEFORE YOU ANSWER: DURING FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH THE OPP WARNS OF CALLER ID SPOOFING SCAMS

    (OTTAWA, ON) - Ontario residents continue to receive deceptive phone calls...

    ‘In a new realm’: China’s escalating cyberespionage leaving the U.S. ‘so vulnerable’

    On Friday, the U.S. announced sanctions on China’s Integrity...

    The Mother of All Yard Sales | Saturday, May 4th

    Thanks so much for the great efforts of our...

    The Blue Mountains Invites Residents to “Pitch-In” for Earth Week

    The Town of The Blue Mountains encourages members of...

    International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Amplifying Leadership for an Inclusive Future

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood proudly joins...

    OJHL, CCHL ALL-STARS, TOP PROSPECTS CLASHING IN ‘BATTLE OF ONTARIO’ NOV. 12-13

    July 17, 2024 ….  The best players and top prospects in...

    Community invited to provide input on waterfront public piazza park

    Collingwood, ON – Exciting news for Collingwood Residents! The...

    Tom Cochrane, Wasaga Beach Memories Of Summer

    Summer is coming to an end , but the fun...

    Collingwood Crime Unit Makes Arrest in Trail Incident – Public Safety Update

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON). The Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the...

    The Gordie Howe International Bridge | The $6.4BN Bridge Between Canada & the US

    The busiest segment of the US-Canada border is set...

    Hackers, malware and the darknet – The fatal consequences of cyberattacks | DW Documentary

    Cyberspace is less secure than ever before. Hackers exploit...

    Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | March 23-30, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with...

    Open Fields Farm Tour Returns October 5 | The Town of The Blue Mountains

    The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to...

    The Blue Mountains and Collingwood Kick Off Collaborative Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment

    Collingwood, ON  – The Town of The Blue Mountains and...

    INTERIM DETACHMENT COMMANDER NAMED FOR THE SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY OPP

    (TOWNS OF MIDLAND, PENETANGUISHENE, TOWNSHIPS OF TINY, TAY, GEORGIAN...

    IMPORTANT | Canada MP PUTS THE SCREWS IN Trump… CANADA IS PISSED

    MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas speaks with Canadian Member of...

    “Trump Is Going to Get a Lot of Wins:” Ian Bremmer Forecasts 2025 Geopolitics | Amanpour and Company

    From Russia's war in Ukraine to U.S. relations with...

    2024 Remembrance Day Ceremonies in The Blue Mountains and Town Hall Closure

    The Town of The Blue Mountains joins communities across...

    Jan 1st Apres Ski Social Club – Start 2025 with Music, Wellness, and Winter Magic!

    Apres Ski Social Club Start 2025 with Music, Wellness, and...

    VIDEO | WOW – Tech giants harness nuclear energy to power AI | BBC News

    Technology firms are increasingly turning to nuclear sources of...

    Call for Volunteers to participate on the Family Physician Recruitment Working Group

    The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking applications...

    Marcus Aurelius: Reinvent Your Life In 2025 (8 Stoic Practices You’ll Actually Use)

    It’s humbling to think that Marcus Aurelius, the head...

    EMERGENCY CREWS CONTINUE CLEANUP EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE REGION

    (Orillia, ON) - Members across Central Region of the Ontario...

    Three Area Residents Arrested after OPP Execute Simultaneous Search Warrants on Midland and Elmvale Addresses

    Cocaine, MDMA, Magic Mushrooms, Pills, Cash Seized  (MIDLAND, ON) - As a...

    Let’s leave gas in the past — especially for buildings

    By David Suzuki Heat pumps are more efficient and affordable...

    County of Simcoe to recognize Age-Friendly Champions

    Midhurst/January 23, 2025 – On January 28, 2025, at 5:30...

    Emperor penguin chicks jump off a 50-foot cliff in Antarctica NEVER-BEFORE-FILMED FOR TV

    Thanks for the share, Ron Misurka. National Geographic and BAFTA...

    Slew of Driving/Drug/Alcohol Related Charges for Penetanguishene Resident after OPP Conduct Fail To Remain Investigation

    (PENETANGUISHENE, ON) -  A Penetanguishene resident faces a slew of driving/drug/alcohol...

    Argentina’s Memecoin Disaster Is Worse Than You Think

    Javier Milei promotes a crypto token which falls apart,...

    Embracing Simplicity: Emma’s Journey to a Fulfilled Life

    Ally Vitally is an Ai ChatBot 4o in learning...

    We can all take part in THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION

    By David Suzuki The odds are stacked against people standing...

    Canadian snowbirds selling Florida homes over high costs, weak dollar

    Florida based real estate broker Alexandra Dupont says some...

    TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES FOR SUSPENDED DRIVER

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    HURONIA WEST OPP LOOKING FOR THE PUBLICS ASSISTANCE REGARDING A TWO VEHICLE COLLISION

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...