The pivotal role of mental health in child and adolescent development

Mental health in childhood and adolescence is a complex and evolving concept that goes far beyond the absence of mental illness. It involves achieving critical developmental and emotional milestones, building strong social skills that foster positive relationships, and cultivating resilience through effective coping strategies for life's challenges. Recognizing mental health as a dynamic process, this view underscores its continuous evolution as young people grow and interact with their surroundings. This commentary is prepared by the coordinators of the meeting on the importance of promoting child mental health, held on 9 November 2024 in Piazzola sul Brenta, Padua, Italy. The event was promoted and supported by the GE Ghirardi Foundation in collaboration with the Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), as part of the global initiatives marking World Mental Health Day 2024. The initiative seeks to raise awareness—among healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and the wider public—about the essential role of mental health in the overall development of children and adolescents. The commentary provides a concise overview of the key determinants that support a healthy transition to adulthood and highlights the pressing need to protect and nurture the mental well-being of young people during this critical stage of life.