A new report reveals a worsening youth mental health crisis in Canada, sparking action from Bell
Bell Canada has announced a renewed focus on youth mental health for Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025, set to take place on January 22.
This commitment comes alongside the release of a comprehensive national report by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), titled A Generation At Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada, which highlights the growing mental health crisis among young Canadians.
The report was unveiled today at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in observance of World Mental Health Day.
The report provides insights into youth mental health trends and identifies key areas for improvement, including prevention, service quality, and access to mental health services.
The statistics are alarming: suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people, accounting for 21 percent of deaths, while 24 percent of youth aged 16-24 report experiencing suicidal ideation.
The report also highlights that priority populations, including 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, Black, and Indigenous youth, face greater barriers to mental health care.
According to the report, approximately 1.25 million Canadian youth require mental health support annually, yet 57 percent are not receiving the help they need. Mental health conditions often have an early onset, with 66 to 75 percent emerging before the age of 24.
Factors such as social disconnection, excessive screen time, and socio-economic challenges have exacerbated these issues, with 50 percent of youth aged 18-34 stating that climate change negatively impacts their mental health.
In response to this growing crisis, Bell Let’s Talk will launch a text-to-donate campaign. All donations will go to six youth mental health organizations:
- Integrated Youth Services
- Jack.org
- Kids Help Phone
- National Association of Friendship Centres
- Strongest Families Institute
- Youth In Mind Foundation
Canadians can donate $5 via text. Bell will match all donations up to $1 million as part of the company’s $10m mental health commitment for 2025.
Mirko Bibic, president and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE, emphasized the importance of addressing this crisis, “As we mark World Mental Health Day, I am pleased to announce a $10m commitment in 2025 to support Canadian mental health initiatives and help address the mental health crisis among young people.”
Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Youth urgently need access to more services to help them manage their declining mental health. Bell Let’s Talk will continue to support community-based organizations that are helping youth, and everyone, access mental health services so people can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Michael Cooper, vice president of MHRC, emphasized the critical need for early intervention, “We have seen a generational shift in youth embracing the importance of mental health. If we can intervene early with diagnosis and treatment, we can give our children the best opportunity for mentally healthy lives.”
Bell’s text-to-donate campaign will be facilitated by the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, a registered charity that allows donors to make charitable contributions through text messages, with 100 percent of the donations going directly to the intended charities.
