Could The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award help tackle the mental health crisis in young people?

Hear from Alex, our DofE manager, on how the DofE journey could help support young people with their mental health. 

Last year, I was given a copy of Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation. While I don’t claim to have been capable of digesting and contextualising every part, I was struck by the changes in reportable cases of mental health in teenagers since the turn of the century. Most of the data in the book comes from sources in the United States but it is likely applicable to many nations. The diagnoses of major depression in teens (ages 12-17), shows a rise of 145% and 161% in girls and boys, respectively. That’s huge. Too big, in fact.

Now, I’m a scientist at heart (many years of study, with multiple publications, followed by over two decades teaching) and an advocate of the concept that ‘correlation does not mean causation’. However, the increase in connectivity and the growing search for the little endorphin hits through social platforms does parallel the rise in such diagnoses. To me, this parallel is too close for comfort. 

A different take could be that the decline in mental health in our teenagers causes individuals to seek out readily available forms of quick pleasure – perhaps a boost whenever it’s needed - whatever that looks like.

During my time as a teacher, time and time again I saw the benefits gained by leaving the classroom and being out on trips. Relationships strengthened, new experiences became etched in developing minds and, just for a short while, they switched off and engaged with their surroundings and were present in their company. I was fortunate enough to be asked to take on the management of the school’s Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme. This is where I saw a new world open for young people that took them outside of traditional learning and social environments they were predisposed to and gave them space to explore their interests and understand their potential.

In schools, when the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is mentioned, most folk think of the expedition. This is only a small proportion of the overall Award, and one most Approved Activity Providers (AAP’s) are involved with. However, the benefits gained from the other sections could, in my opinion, have a greater impact on supporting our teenagers through difficult times. Let me elaborate a little.

In my mind, the entire Award scheme has a value in fostering and supporting positive mental health within these ‘themes’.

• It builds real confidence that doesn’t just come from praise. It is evidence-based (there’s the scientist again!). Each section supports this and gives proof of an individual’s capability.

• It provides a secure environment in which to challenge yourself. The adults involved are trusted safe-spaces and it often involves collaboration towards a goal achievement.

• It supports emotional regulation through [controlled] times of discomfort and helps develop strategies to navigate life’s setbacks. Resilience (a modern ‘buzzword’) is almost trained as part of the experiences that participants have.

• It develops a sense of belonging to something meaningful and being a valued part. This can be particularly important to those individuals who find the academic rigour of our education system as not suited to them.

• It focuses on personal growth and development and is not measured against others.

• It gives connection with others, with communities and with opportunity.

While the developing epidemic in mental illness has many contributing factors and there are a range of powerful tools available, meaning not one singular thing could be the solution to all. It’s worth considering how the small interventions that form part of the DofE Award schemes are quietly transforming lives, a little bit at a time. And as the old Tanzanian proverb goes, “little by little, a little becomes a lot”. 

What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments or reach out and let us know what has helped your experiences as a young person or with a young person in your home. 

If you would like to join us on expedition, you can chat with Alex Knill our DofE manager by getting in touch here.