In preparation for the first Youth Mental Health Day, mental health charity stem4 asked 1000 young people in the UK which public figures they most respected. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle made the Top Three.
What We Know:
- Stem4 conducted their research on people ages 13 to 25 between May 26-29. The Queen won 25% of the vote, Harry received 22%, and Meghan came third with 21%. Following these three were Bill Gates (17%), Dr. Alex George (16%), Boris Johnson (14%), Kate Middleton (11%), and Prince William (10%). Princess Diana was an honorable mention in this section as well.
- According to Stem4, the youths reported that they admired the Top Three because of their bravery and resiliency, especially in the face of criticism. They also enjoyed that they defend the rights of others and “make society a better place.”
- In the Inspirational Figures section, David Attenborough made up 54% of the responses, the highest of the category. The Top Three made the list as well, alongside others such as Billie Eilish and Oprah Winfrey. Stem4’s founder and chief executive, Dr. Nihaura Krause, said these people influenced the youth because of their openness about their own mental health challenges.
- In response to the results, Dr. Krause stated that one does not need a fortune or good looks to earn the respect of young people.
“Problems like anxiety, depression and self-harm are sadly very common among young people and it makes a huge difference to them when public figures have the courage to open up,” Krause declared.
- In addition, Stem4 conducted a survey to study the “wider hopes and aspirations” of young people after the pandemic. 70% answered they wanted happiness, 56% wished for a stable job, and only 27% desired to make a lot of money.
The United Kingdom will hold the inaugural Youth Mental Health Day on September 7. Founded by stem4, the celebration will encourage understanding and discussion of mental health in youths so they can live “happy and healthy lives.”
