A worldwide campaign that launched in 2015 has been taken up to bring a week of attention to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Bermuda’s young people.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is aimed at eliminating stigma, strengthening early support and building safe environments for children and adolescents to seek help.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said the issue “must remain at the forefront of our national agenda”.

She said that youths faced a battery of challenges requiring “our collective attention”, from academic expectations and social dynamics to family stress and the influence of the digital world.

The minister added: “We cannot dismiss these challenges as a phase or something young people should simply ‘get over’.

“When a young person is struggling, what they need most is to be seen, listened to, and supported early.”

Ms Wilson said stigma persisted as “one of the greatest barriers to care”.

She added: “Too many young people hesitate to reach out because they fear being judged.”

The health minister called for a shared effort to create “safe, supportive spaces where our children and adolescents feel heard, valued and understood”, by responding to young people with patience, respect and compassion.

“We all have a role to play. A kind conversation, a check-in, making time to listen and knowing when to encourage professional support can make a real difference.”

Ms Wilson urged the community to take part in the week of awareness, which runs until Sunday, February 15, and to access available resources throughout the year.

She added: “Our children deserve nothing less.”