Gen Z faces mental health crisis: Minister Saukuru

Rising anxiety, depression and stress among Gen Z is being exacerbated by unemployment and social media pressures.

This was highlighted by Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru in Parliament yesterday.

Addressing challenges facing young people born between 1997 and 2012, Mr Saukuru highlighted concerning trends affecting this generation.

“There is a rising prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among young people,” Mr Saukuru said.

“Unemployment and social media pressures exacerbate these issues.”

He also raised alarm over education gaps, revealing only 55 per cent of students complete upper-secondary education.

“School dropout rates, skills mismatches, and limited career guidance continue to hinder workforce readiness,” Mr Saukuru said.

The minister noted Gen Z, Fiji’s first digital native generation, relies heavily on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat for daily interactions.

However, this comes with risks including cyberbullying, online harassment and misinformation.

Other challenges include the digital divide affecting rural and maritime communities, high rates of violence against children and women, and climate change impacts disrupting schooling and economic stability.

Mr Saukuru outlined government mechanisms for youth participation, including the reactivated National Youth Council, youth cooperatives, and national youth festivals.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj questioned when the ministry would implement digital platforms for youth club registration.

Mr Saukuru said they would develop systems to serve the digital native generation.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj