Colman Noctor: Are youth clubs a traditional solution to a modern problem?
In some communities, youth clubs are perceived as being for 'troubled' or 'at-risk' young people, which can deter others from joining, despite the clubs being open to all
In an era dominated by smartphones and social media, young people have never been more connected, yet paradoxically more isolated. As concerns about youth mental health, loneliness, and social detachment continue to rise, one powerful and underappreciated antidote remains: the youth club. I have long held the belief that these spaces, often seen as relics of the past, are vital for the social, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation of today’s younger generation.
The UNICEF Report Card 19, published last week, found that nearly one in three Irish teens report low life satisfaction, with the pandemic having a marked adverse impact on their mental health due to school closures and social isolation.
