Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel - Explore Session
The Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel met for the second time on 19th October 2021. The Panel is made up of 23 young people aged 14 to 17 years spanning over 14 different local authority areas.
This session was focused on the Explore process of YSHive.
Session objectives:
To explore factors that impact the mental health and wellbeing of young people
To learn about the mental health construct areas and indicators proposed by Public Health Scotland
To reflect on the significance of these areas, prioritise them and identify any gaps missing
The insights from the young people will help guide the development work that PHS are doing towards their mental health strategic framework and shape their ambitions for the future of the organisation’s engagement with young people.
You can preview or download a PDF version of the full report, or view a text only version below
Plain Text Version
Hot Report
Public Health Scotland
Young People’s Panel
EXPLORE Session | 19th October 2021
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 2
Introduction
The Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel met for the second time on 19th
October 2021 5-7pm via Zoom. The Panel is made up of 23 young people aged 14 to
17 years spanning over 14 different local authority areas. All Panel members are first
time volunteers at Young Scot, with 7 declared BAME young people and 3 who live in
SIMD 1-2 areas.
Out of the 23 young people, 17 of the Panel
members attended, including 2 young people
from the Young Scot Health Panel. The Panel
also had the opportunity to meet Claire
Sweeney, Director for Mental Wellbeing
at Public Health Scotland (PHS).
During the session, the group did a warmup characterisation activity using the online
interactive tool, Mural, to encourage them to
consider different factors that impact a young
person’s mental health. Following this, the
group learned about Public Health Scotland’s
research on mental health construct areas
and indicators by a presentation from Dr Ross
Whitehead. The group then split into 5 groups
to participate in a smaller group activity, where
they discussed the significance of the areas and
indicators, prioritised them and identified any
gaps missing.
Session objectives:
To explore factors that impact the mental
health and wellbeing of young people
To learn about the mental health construct
areas and indicators proposed by Public
Health Scotland
To reflect on the significance of these
areas, prioritise them and identify any
gaps missing
The insights from the young people will help
guide the development work that PHS are
doing towards their mental health strategic
framework and shape their ambitions for the
future of the organisation’s engagement with
young people.
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 3
Characterisation activity Smaller groups activity
Which indicators do you think have
the most significant impact?
Which issues do you think are the
most common for young people?
Are there any indicators that you
feel are not as significant?
Do you think there are any indicators
that are missing in this area?
Out of the five areas, do you think
another area is also, or more,
significant? Why or why not?
Insights
Before beginning to work through the mental
health construct areas and indicators, the
young people split into four groups to explore
factors that impact a young person’s mental
health through a characterisation activity.
Each group used a Mural template to develop
a young person character and filled in four
sections to make up their character:
Having heard a presentation from Public
Health Scotland around their research on
mental health construct areas and indicators,
the group split into five smaller groups to
participate in a focus group activity.
Each group were allocated a construct
area to explore:
The purpose of this activity was to encourage
the young people to begin considering factors
that impact young people’s mental wellbeing
before delving into more detail. The young
people spent 15 minutes on this task before
returning to the main space to share
their views.
All four groups identified that the stress of
exams is a key pain point for their young
person characters. Three of the groups
highlighted the impact of family relationships;
two groups gave weight to relationships with
friends and peers; and two groups highlighted
the perception of ourselves. Other pain points
that were mentioned were environmental
dread; religious parents; social stress and
existentialism.
The groups were asked to discuss five
questions which focused on significance and
impact, common issues, prioritisation of areas
and identification of missing factors.
Each group was asked to consider:
The discussions generated in this activity are
intended to inform and shape Public Health
Scotland’s mental health strategy and provide
the organisation with insight into which
indicators are the most significant amongst
young people.
Ourselves
Family and Friends
School
Neighbourhood and Community
Wider society
Personal details (age, background,
what they do)
Personal life (what their home life
is like)
Their interests and why they’re
important
Their major worries / pain points
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 4
Which indicators do you think have the
most significant impact?
1. Social media: The young people expressed
that there has been a shift in mentality
since TikTok came into the mainstream.
From Tiktok culture, there is too much
pressure on being “cool” and “different”
that it results in taking away from
individuality and places too much focus
on trends.
2. Healthy behaviours: The group also
expressed that the way healthy behaviours
are taught in schools places too much
pressure on young people to act as if they
never engage in these types of behaviours,
such as drinking alcohol or having sex.
They felt that there is no common ground
or practicality.
3. Sleep: One young person in the group
expressed that there are many young
people they know who go to sleep in the
early hours of the morning. This negatively
impacts their mental health but the cause
is not primarily obvious. For others in the
group, they expressed that it is common
amongst young people to brag about their
lack of sleep.
Which issues do you think are the most
common for young people?
The group did not identify any key indicator in
the Ourselves construct area as most common
because they felt that it depends on where the
young person lives. For example, they felt that
unhealthy behaviours, especially the issues of
drugs and alcohol, are more of a common issue
for young people living in more deprived areas.
The young people did place a particular
emphasis on social media and sleep as issues
they had observed amongst friends and peers.
Are there any indicators that you feel
are not as significant?
There were three indicators that the group
identified as not very significant. Firstly, the
indicator play felt confusing and not suitable
when discussing factors that impact young
people’s mental health and they suggested
that this be re-worded. They therefore felt
that play was not significant regarding the
mental wellbeing of young people.
Another indicator they felt was confusing was
learning and development. The group stated
that this is misleading as they interpreted
it as meaning educational development, or
overcoming barriers such as dyslexia. They
stated that the term is not suited to what it
intends to be and therefore does not make
sense to them.
Finally, they felt that long-term illness or/
and disability is an indicator that belongs
more in the Family and Friends area. The group
felt that this indicator isn’t a very common
issue experienced amongst young people
themselves, whereas it is seen more amongst
family members, particularly within older
generations.
Ourselves
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 5
Do you think there are any indicators that
are missing in this area?
The group identified that the impact of video
games was missing from PHS’ mental health
indicators. The amount of time playing, and the
type of content they’re engaging in, can have
a negative impact on young people’s mental
health. The group also referred to the lack of
social interaction and connection that playing
video games can have and the negative impact
this can result in.
The group also raised the point that body
image is an indicator that belongs in the
Ourselves area more than Wider Society.
Although body image is impacted by wider
society, through social media and magazines
etc., body image varies from person to person
and stems from how we perceive ourselves.
Out of the five areas, do you think another
area is also, or more, significant? Why or
why not?
The young people felt that Neighbourhood and
Community was significant as they highlighted
two main reasons as to why the area a young
person grows up in has a profound impact on
their mental wellbeing. Firstly, the group
felt that growing up in more deprived areas
tend to have less access to opportunities
and education, causing mental health issues.
Secondly, they identified that young people
growing up in more remote areas, such as
the Highlands, also experience a lack of
access to opportunities, compared to young
people growing up in the Central Belt. Areas
of deprivation and remoteness therefore
should be considered as key indicators within
Neighbourhood and Community.
Out of all the areas, the group felt that
Ourselves, Family and Friends and School were
the most important. Although they recognised
that Neighbourhood and Community and
Wider Society have a significant impact and
could completely change a person’s mental
health, they believe that the first three areas
have more of a direct effect on young people,
as loneliness and isolation can be felt more
significantly within these areas.
Ourselves
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 6
Which indicators do you think have the
most significant impact?
The Family and Friends group emphasised that
family relationships are of huge importance.
The group highlighted that many young people
have a different mentality to their parents and
this can cause frustrations. They expressed
that many family members are matter of
fact and stubborn with a ‘the world isn’t fair’
mentality, which can cause tension. For them,
the family dynamic needs to be understood
more from the young person’s perspective.
The young people also noted the impact that
having religious parents can have, and the
pressure placed on them to follow certain
traditions.
Which issues do you think are the most
common for young people?
The group highlighted that the most common
issue facing young people today is growing
up in a digital age and feeling raised by the
internet. The group felt that young people
learn who they are and their personality
through the internet, and this puts a lot of
pressure on young people to be older, in terms
of how they act, look and feel.
Are there any indicators that you feel are not
as significant?
The Family and Friends group expressed that
societal view of the family structure is an
unnecessary cause of tension. For example,
young people are taught that to have divorced
or single parents is not the “normal” family
unit, when it’s increasingly common and does
not automatically result in negative mental
wellbeing. Due to this, the young people did
not perceive family structure as significant as
other indicators.
Do you think there are any indicators
that are missing in this area?
The group did not identify any missing gaps in
the Family and Friends construct area, but they
did emphasise there needs to be a real focus
on getting to the root of issues, rather than
attempting to manage them once they occur.
They gave the example of channelling more
energy into making young people more secure
in themselves.
Out of the five areas, do you think another
area is also, or more, significant? Why or
why not?
Out of the five areas, this group felt that Family
and Friends was the most significant area as it
can lead to pressure to saying the right thing
to please people which can result in boundaries
not being respected. The group expressed
that they have witnessed an extensive amount
of bullying amongst friends and that bullying
awareness in schools is not thorough enough.
Family and Friends
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 7
Which indicators do you think have the most
significant impact?
The School group expressed that exam
pressure was both a significant and common
indicator that they had observed in themselves,
their friends and their peers. The young people
also conveyed that relationships with peers at
school is extremely significant as it shapes the
classroom environment, such as when young
people are doing group work. Relationship
with peers can also have a negative impact
on wellbeing when young people fall out and
are in a negative headspace all day. The group
also highlighted that teachers do not provide
enough support with friendship fallouts.
Which issues do you think are the most
common for young people?
Three indicators were highlighted as the most
common: Lack of motivation, pressure on
post-school choices and the pressure of
extra-curricular activities. The group
emphasised the common issue of becoming
unmotivated when a young person is not
performing well at school and they begin to
feel overwhelmed. This can lead to a cycle
of finding it difficult to get up for school,
especially if the young people no longer
enjoy attending.
Post-school choices was also highlighted as a
common issue as the group felt that there is a
pressure placed on young people to know what
they want to do after school. According to the
young people, they felt that schools push the
choice of university too much; for example,
they dedicate too much time to university
applications but do not inform students of other
options, such as college or apprenticeships.
Finally, the group noted that in schools there is
extra-curricular pressure to join various clubs
which results in having a negative impact on
your mental wellbeing as well as schoolwork.
Are there any indicators that you feel are not
as significant?
As the School construct area consists of fewer
indicators, the group did not highlight any as
less significant.
Do you think there are any indicators that
are missing in this area?
The group identified that there was a lack of
emphasis on the influence of peers at school.
The group gave examples of peers influencing
how a young person may act, and post-school
choices, such as going to university.
The group also highlighted having to look a
certain way at school adds pressure onto
young people, especially if the young person
already does not feel confident. The group felt
that there were expectations to be a certain
way if you are in a certain group.
Finally, the group noted that the responsibility
of caring for a family member was a missing
indicator and noted the impact it can have if
a young person ends up missing some days at
school and becomes behind on their work and
attendance.
Out of the five areas, do you think another
area is also, or more, significant? Why or
why not?
For the young people in this group, School was
a major construct area due to the direct impact
that the school environment has on young
people.
School
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 8
Which indicators do you think have the most
significant impact?
1. Belonging: The group expressed the
importance of a feeling of belonging to the
community and how engagement in local
activities can build this connection.
2. Engagement in local activities: If access
to these activities is limited due to a young
person’s location, not having access to
WIFI, or for other reasons, the group felt
that this can have a detrimental effect on
a young person’s wellbeing. The group
also acknowledged the impact that the
COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had on
the ability to engage in local activities.
3. Support Services and Social Support:
The group felt that these two indicators
were closely linked as the main
consideration here is having a trusted
adult who a young person can open up to.
Many young people do not feel comfortable
confiding in their parents about some
matters, so having an external adult
presence is hugely important.
4. Safety: The group recognized that safety
is an obvious and important indicator for
both physical and mental wellbeing.
Which issues do you think are the most
common for young people?
The group identified two issues as being the
most common for young people: engagement
in local activities and access to support
services.
Like the Ourselves group, these young people
highlighted that access to local activities and
opportunities is limited to young people living
in more remote areas, which can lead to
feelings of isolation. Another facet identified
as part of this indicator is that some clubs can
become too serious, leading to young people
dropping out and so there needs to be a space
where young people can relax and wind down.
This group also discussed that they find access
to support services limited, such as through
increased waiting times, which has only been
exacerbated over lockdown. There is also the
concern that many young people do not have
the confidence to access more formal services,
such as GPs, by themselves.
Community and Neighbourhood
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 9
Are there any indicators that you feel
are not as significant?
The Community and Neighbourhood group
provided three recommendations. Firstly,
‘belonging to neighbourhood’ should be
reworded to ‘belonging to community’. The
group expressed that neighbourhoods are
continually growing and so it is natural to not
feel a sense of connection to them. It more
significant to feel belonging to a community,
either through local groups or school for
example.
In addition, the group felt that neighbourhood
trust was not a very significant indicator as
although a young person wants to feel safe
where they live, trust in their neighbourhood
does not equate to positive mental wellbeing.
Again, they emphasise that it is more important
to feel trust at school or local groups.
Lastly, the young people suggested that the
respect of young people might be better
suited in the School category.
Do you think there are any indicates that
are missing in this area?
As highlighted above, the group felt that a
‘sense of community’ was missing from the
Community and Neighbourhood construct area.
They also stated that ‘connection’ was a more
suitable term than ‘belonging’.
They also identified that access to community
services such as leisure centres, transport and
even local job opportunities are considerations
that are missing.
Out of the five areas, do you think another
area is also, or more, significant? Why or
why not?
For this group, the Ourselves, Family and
Friends and School construct areas are of equal
importance in the lives of the young people
because they are all interlinked. The young
people also expressed that your own mental
wellbeing is important to accessing other areas
of life. The group acknowledged that mental
health issues can stem from family and friends
and that they are vital for support.
The group expressed that Community and
Neighbourhood is less significant on the impact
of young people’s mental wellbeing.
Community and Neighbourhood
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 10
Which indicators do you think have the most
significant impact?
The Wider Society group highlighted that both
poverty and deprivation and social inclusion
are of major significance because they both
have a detrimental effect on a young person’s
ability to learn, study, and participate in school
activities. They also emphasised the impact
of the COVID19 pandemic and lockdown on
highlighting and creating a larger poverty
gap, creating social exclusion. They gave
the example of the increase of people using
foodbanks.
Which issues do you think are the most
common for young people?
Like the Ourselves group, the young people
expressed that common issues depend on
where a young person lives as poverty and
deprivation are common indicators for young
people from disadvantaged backgrounds. For
example, growing up and experiencing your
parents struggle for money can affect a young
person negatively.
The group also noted the impact of lockdown
on the crime/violence indicator due to the rise
of domestic abuse reports and that, although
there was more funding during the second
lockdown to tackle these instances, it is still
a prevalent issue. The group conveyed that
domestic abuse may be more of a common
issue due to the lockdown effects.
Are there any indicators that you feel are not
as significant?
The young people discussed that climate
change is a less significant indicator because
although it is a concern and many young
people feel passionate about this issue, they
felt that it does not have a detrimental and
personal effect on their mental wellbeing and
does not impact their everyday lives.
The group did emphasise though that all
indicators are important; it was just the case of
choosing what is most relevant to them.
Do you think there are any indicators that
are missing from this area?
The group raised an interesting point that there
is a lack of effective communication when it
comes to differing views or political stances,
such as anti-abortion protestors verbally
attacking people outside clinics. They expressed
that not enough is done to address the
intimidation used to communicate their views.
Out of the five areas, do you think another
area is also, or more, significant? Why or
why not?
The group felt that Family and Friends had a
more direct and personal impact on a young
person’s mental wellbeing. They provided the
example of the negative effect of someone you
know saying something negative towards you,
as you value their opinion more.
The general consensus across all groups is that
the Ourselves, Family and Friends and School
categories are the most significant areas that
impact the mental health of young people.
There was also a lot of reference made to the
impact of where a young person grows up and
lives, with deprived areas and remote areas
being the two major concerns.
Wider Society
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 11
When asked if they enjoyed the
sessions the average score received
was 8.9 out of 10
When asked if they found it useful,
the average score was 8.9 out of 10
Finally, when asked if it was relevant
to them the average score was 8.6
out of 10
Feedback
The participants were emailed a Menti Evaluation to complete in their own time
following the session taking place. As well as getting a chance to say what they liked
aboutthe session and what they would have improved, they were also asked what
they had learned from the workshop and what they would like to see happen from
their involvement. 10 participants responded.
The young people were asked to rate the
session on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being not
at all and 10 being 100% yes.
The participants stated a variety of things they
enjoyed about taking part in the session,
including working with others in smaller
breakout groups and the discussions these
led to.
The group also highlighted that they enjoyed
hearing everyone’s different opinions and
experiences and discussing various factors that
impact the mental health of young people.
When asked if there was anything that could
be improved about the session, they pointed
out that, although they understood the need
for smaller groups discussing an allocated
construct area, they felt like some of the group
may have had more knowledge of another area
that they were not allocated. The group also
reiterated that they would like more regular
sessions.
Most of the young people shared that they had
learned more about mental health indictors
and how they fit into everyday life; how
mental health affects people in different aspect
of life; about other people’s experiences and
how to be more considerate of that.
When asked if they had anything else to share,
one young person stated that they really
enjoyed the session, whilst three young people
reiterated that they wish there were more
regular sessions.
YSHive – Hot Report - Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel PAGE 12
Next Steps
The Public Health Scotland Young People’s Panel met again for their CREATE and DISRUPT
sessions. The group created ideas for Public Health Scotland’s proposed mental health strategic
framework. The young people also provided recommendations on how the organisation can
continue to engage with young people in specific areas of work, strategy and decision-making
and as an organisation overall.
The Panel will meet with Public Health Scotland staff in the new year for their final session
as part of the ACT stage of the #YSHive process.
Young Scot
Caledonian Exchange
19A Canning Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8EG
youngscot.net/news
info@young.scot
@YoungScot
YoungScot