# Today, young people spend a lot of time online and also seek help with mental health challenges - Zoturi is one way to help - Savonia AMK

> The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased mental health problems of young people.

## The Impact of the Pandemic on Youth Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased mental health problems among young people, who are experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, frustration, and depression. For many, the internet has become a primary channel for seeking help. Because young people use the internet daily, it serves as their main source of information. 

While there is a fear of stigmatization in traditional settings, the internet allows young people to seek help anonymously and protect their privacy. However, the digital space also carries risks, such as exposure to misinformation. Research indicates that online chat groups led by trained professionals are effective in alleviating depressive symptoms (Kramer, Conijn, Oijevaar & Riper 2014). By utilizing online services, young people can take greater responsibility for their own well-being, benefiting from a wider range of accessible support.

## Insights from the School Health Survey
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare conducts the School Health Survey every two years to monitor youth well-being. While the majority of young people report being satisfied with their lives, there is a concerning trend of increasing dissatisfaction and anxiety, particularly among girls.

Data from the 2021 survey highlights the urgency of the situation:
* **Girls:** 30% reported moderate or severe anxiety in 2021, compared to 13%–20% between 2013 and 2019.
* **Boys:** Around 8% reported experiencing anxiety in 2021, compared to 5%–7% in 2013–2019.

## Zoturi: A Digital Tool for Professional Support
To address these challenges, tools must be available where young people spend their time. Zoturi is a Finnish online help service designed to provide support and problem-solving assistance for difficult life situations.

Janne Vepsäläinen, CEO of Zoturi, notes: "Young people spend a lot of time on the Internet. Some spend up to days inside four walls being on the Internet. These young people are hard to reach. Online help is an effective tool in meeting them and it supports problem-solving in a home environment."

Beyond direct support for youth, Zoturi serves as a digital learning environment where novice helpers can learn basic skills and experienced professionals can strengthen their expertise. Users appreciate the anonymity and the accessibility of the service, including chat hours that extend beyond the school day.

## Balancing Digital and Face-to-Face Support
While digital tools like Zoturi are essential, they are not a total solution. Many young people express a desire for the flexibility to choose between online and face-to-face support. Furthermore, digital inequality remains a barrier, as not all young people have access to the necessary devices or digital skills. Online services should be viewed as one vital option among many in a comprehensive approach to mental health.

## Blog Writers
* **Anna Halonen, Virpi Pellikka, Ulla Särkkä, Jenni Tiitinen:** Students of Health and Welfare Coordinator Master’s Degree Programme at Savonia UAS
* **Sanna Savela:** Senior Lecturer in Languages, Savonia UAS
* **Marja-Liisa Rissanen:** Principal Lecturer, Master School, Savonia UAS

## References
* Finnish institute for health and welfare 2021. School Health Survey. Lasten ja nuorten hyvinvointi –kouluterveyskysely 2021. Tilastoraportti 30/2021. Published 19.9.2021.
* Kramer, Jeannet, Conijn, Barbara, Oijevaar, Pien & Riper, Heleen 2014. Effectiveness of a Web-Based Solution-Focused Brief Chat Treatment for Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2014 May 29;16(5):e141.
* Pretorius, Claudette, Chambers, Derek & Coyle, David 2019. Young People’s Online Help-Seeking and Mental Health Difficulties: Systematic Narrative Review. J Med Internet Res. 2019 Nov 19;21(11):e13873.
* Vepsäläinen, Janne. Date known. Zoturi on parempi tapaa auttaa. Video online. www.zoturi.com.
* Zoturi. Date unknown. On parempi tapa auttaa. Website. https://zoturi.com/.