Mental health challenges face Gen Z in digital era

Generation Z faces unique mental health challenges driven by rapid technological advancement and social media usage. Issues such as peer pressure, academic demands, social comparison, and fear of missing out (FOMO) are increasingly prevalent. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 experiences mental health problems, many of which remain untreated.

To address these needs, school guidance and counseling (BK) services must adapt to the digital era. Rather than being viewed as a disciplinary measure, counseling services should evolve to help students understand themselves, manage emotions, and navigate the changing communication styles of a generation accustomed to digital interaction. Additionally, literature is being utilized as a tool for self-help, with books focusing on Stoicism and managing insecurity providing practical perspectives for young people dealing with overthinking and uncertainty.