MOIGE launches national tour to combat youth mental health crisis

The MOIGE (Movimento Italiano Genitori) has launched a national tour titled ‘So. Starti Accanto’ to address the rising crisis of youth mental health and addiction in Italy. The initiative utilizes a mobile center to connect families, schools, and local communities to identify signs of distress before they escalate into emergencies.

Recent data highlights a significant mental health challenge: one in four young people shows symptoms of depression, and nearly 40% of those aged 15 to 19 have consumed psychoactive substances. Additionally, access to child neuropsychiatry services has doubled over the last decade. The project also aims to combat rising rates of alcohol consumption, pathological gambling, and digital addiction.

The tour includes 40 stops across Italy. Recent and upcoming stops include the Grazia Deledda – Max Fabiani Technical Institute in Trieste and the G. Caloprese Comprehensive Institute in Scalea. These visits feature training sessions led by psychologists, counseling, and meetings for parents and teachers to build stronger support networks for adolescents.