Written by Levi Friesen, GVYU MarCom

A decade ago, I graduated with a tight-knit group of friends from a small local high school. At the time, we were captivated by what was then new technology: smart watches, virtual reality and self-driving cars. We would have been stunned by what exists today. For us, the new gadgets were cool, but what was really special was sharing in the excitement of what was newly possible.

Today’s digital technology has taken it up a notch – or a hundred. The access we have to unlimited information is powerful, unprecedented, and sometimes dangerous. In recent conversations with youth workers, I’ve repeatedly heard an alarming trend: youth mental health is in crisis, often linked to digital technology use. This raises a pressing question: how can youth have access to so much — and yet be struggling so profoundly?

HERE AND NOW

A couple of months ago, YU’s Maple Ridge Ministry Supervisor, Sandra Blechinger, told me about her youth, Kira*. Sandra described her as a natural straight-A student with a consuming social media addiction. Kira scrolls for hours, forgetting homework or plans with friends. “Kira is frustrated by her slipping grades and relationship issues,” say Sandra. “She knows her phone is the problem but struggles to make changes.”

  

Kira is not alone. Many of Sandra’s youth struggle to manage their time online. “They’re starting to see that their attention is being stolen,” said Sandra. These youth are part of a growing number of young people facing this new form of addiction. Research among Canadians shows that youth report the highest daily screen time—alongside rising rates of anxiety, self-harm, social isolation, cyberbullying, and a host of other issues.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Rewind five years to the COVID-19 lockdown, when almost everything shut down. Work, school, and connection points all moved online, accelerating our already growing dependence on technology. As youth socially distanced to prevent the spread of COVID, they missed out on ‘normal’ opportunities for connection. Instead, they roamed Snapchat and TikTok, where online influencers and vloggers became daily role

Sandra and a youth connect during the Maple Ridge
breakfast program
A North Vancouver youth shows off his skateboarding skills

models. Many lost the presence of healthy, non-parental adults to help them process everything happening around them. The world became more connected than ever—but at the cost of real physical belonging.

Nate Wiebe, Team Lead in North Vancouver, shared about one of his youth impacted by our rapid online adaptation. Lockdown and online classes began for George* in Grade seven. In foster care, no one monitored his phone or video game use, and his ability to socialize suffered, leading to isolation and anxiety.

When George began meeting with Nate, he slowly built a positive routine of connection. Over many lunch-hour coffees, he began regaining lost social skills and learning new ones. “It’s been a three-year recovery, but he is making progress,” says Nate.

Now in Grade 12, back in school, George has set a simple goal: to say hello to peers in the hallway. With Nate’s support, he continues to rebuild.

IRL REALLY MATTERS

After speaking with Sandra and Nate, some of this is starting to make sense. Today’s youth are the first generation to grow up

in this version of our world, often doing so with little support. This leads me to a new question: how do we support youth here and now? If the answer were simply information, youth would have solved their issues with an online search by now. Clearly, something is missing.

What strikes me about Kira and George’s stories is that they had someone—in real life—who saw them in their struggles. With an intentional mentor, they were able to recognize problems and begin making small changes. At YU, we know that a young person with even one caring, non-parental adult in their life is statistically far more likely to succeed in whatever they’re pursuing.

We also know that youth are incredibly resilient and adaptable. Across our region, young people are learning to navigate their complex new realities alongside mentors like Nate and Sandra. It’s through these connections that our youth workers make an impact—often simply by asking youth how they’re doing and being willing to listen. Real-life connection is irreplaceable, and it may just be the most powerful tool we have.

*not their real name

Vancouver youth worker, Sarah, and youth at a Vancouver Zoo outing

 

summer recap

“This is the first time I’ve roasted marshmallows!” (exclaimed T as flaming goo was flung away with shrieks of horror) — a YU youth worker recaps a youth’s first camping experience. From camping to cooking classes to art in the park, this summer was full of creativity, laughter, and connection. Youth learned hands-on through LEGO Robotics Camp, felt the thrill of roller coasters on theme park adventures, and journeyed with mentors while discovering what BC summers have to offer. Thank you for making this possible!
 

 

a wall comes to life

What was once a blank wall at our Vancouver office has been transformed into a bold, colourful mural! This summer, our Creative Life team joined vibrant young artists to design and paint a piece that reflects the heart of their community. We’re grateful for our partnership with the City of Vancouver — and for friends like you who made this possible. Stop by McLean Drive at Venables Street to see it!

christmas hapmers to bring hope and help

Lift a heavy burden next season by making Christmas unforgettable for a youth or family in need. You or your group can sponsor a hamper or build one yourselves. Each hamper is filled with nourishing groceries and a Christmas present for a youth. Because of your generosity, young people and their families will receive joy, hope, and tangible support when needed most.

For more, visit: youthunlimited.com/hampers

more events this fall:

Sign up now for YUnite Outside on November 14: youthunlimited.com/yunite

Abbotsford Dessert Fundraiser: Taste and See November 14 at Sevenoaks Alliance Church

 
 

 

 
 

  

 

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I lay in my bed, in the darkness of my room, I found my 18-year-old self calling out to God, feeling more isolated than ever before. Feeling disconnected from my friends and struggling in my relationship with my parents, I was working long days in construction and feeling completely lost inside – I was wrestling with loneliness for the first time.

Yet in those dark moments, I felt God’s comforting presence meeting me exactly where I was. Not offering quick fixes or easy answers, but simply being present in my struggle. That experience of being truly seen and known, even in my mess, changed me.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

The Power of Presence

This is why at Youth Unlimited, we believe in entering into the struggle with young people – meeting them exactly where they are. It reflects how God meets us in our own struggles, offering presence more than solutions.

Our youth face a significant battle with isolation, complicated by today’s technology promising connection but often delivering the opposite. Humanity’s relationship with digital technology is so pervasive and evolving at such an exponential speed that it’s here to stay.

At Youth Unlimited, we remain hyper-conscious of technology’s influence without losing sight of essential human connection. A study in the Harvard Business Review found that one face-to-face interaction is more successful than 34 emails exchanged back and forth. Technology can never – and should never – replace human connection. Consider the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study from 1998: it revealed that healing from trauma requires human connection – being surrounded by loving, caring community. This isn’t just a nice theory; it’s how we were created. Without genuine connection, we cannot thrive.

When Sandra sits with Kira through her social media struggles, and when Nate patiently helps George rebuild social skills, they’re providing what screens cannot: the healing power of presence. They’re creating the loving community these young people desperately lack.

Thank you for making it possible for us to connect with youth in person, providing the kind of loving, caring community that transforms lives. Your support enables us to meet young people where they are, just as God meets us.

With deep gratitude,

Mark Koop

Executive Director