he International Youth Day, observed on August 12 every year, is a United Nations initiative to spotlight cultural and legal issues affecting young people. This day aims to raise awareness and promote action on the challenges and opportunities faced by the youth globally. The United Nations definition of ‘youth’ is a person between the ages of 15 and 24 years. However, in Pakistan, the youth cohort is 15-29 years. Among the 220 million people in Pakistan, 64 per cent are less than 30 years old. The 65 million youth cohort is 29 per cent of the population. Fifteen per cent of them have access to the internet. Only 35 million people have their own mobile phone. Alarmingly, 94 per cent have no access to libraries. It is worth noting that 93 per cent of the population has no sports facilities such as gymnasiums or playgrounds.

Every year, a large number of youth enter the working-age group, which is 15 years and above. The UNDP has identified the following problems among the youth: poverty, child labor, lack of education and unemployment and drug addiction leading to criminal activity. Ground reality is heartbreaking. There is no counselling, personality grooming or goal setting. Understanding this phenomenon requires exploring the interplay between developmental stages, societal expectations and challenges of modern living.

Adolescence is a critical period of development marked by significant psychological, emotional and social changes. Young people often look for a stable sense of self, navigating the balance between their emerging individuality and societal expectations. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision making, impulse control and planning, is still maturing during adolescence. This neurological development contributes to the erratic behaviour observed in many young individuals. Impulse control issues and the tendency to prioritise immediate gratification over long-term consequences can lead to seemingly erratic choices.

Modern society places immense pressure on young people to conform to specific standards, while simultaneously encouraging individuality. This paradox can create confusion and exacerbate erratic behaviours. Social media, for instance, plays a dual role: it offers a platform for self-expression but also imposes unrealistic standards and constant comparison. In the race for social media fame, many young people are pushing themselves to dangerous extremes. The quest for likes, shares and viral moments has led some to engage in risky behaviours, from extreme stunts to self-harm, especially on TikTok. Nomophobia, a rising phone addiction, can have significant mental health implications. Individuals with this disorder may experience heightened stress levels, reduced concentration and difficulty engaging in face-to-face interactions. The constant need to stay connected can lead to an overreliance on digital communication at the expense of real-world relationships and experiences. This pressure to stand out online can overshadow the importance of safety and mental well-being.

The pursuit of instant gratification often comes at a high cost, as the immediate rewards of social media can lead to long-term physical and emotional harm. Physically, phone addiction can result in poor posture, eye strain and sleep disturbances. Many individuals use their phones late into the night, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle due to the blue light emitted by screens.

This disruption in sleep patterns can lead to chronic fatigue and decreased overall well-being. This overload can lead to decision fatigue, where a sheer volume of options results in erratic and impulsive choices. It’s crucial for parents, educators and influencers to foster an environment where young people understand the risks and prioritise their health over online validation. Open conversations about self-worth and responsible social media use can help mitigate these dangerous trends and promote a healthier digital culture.

Emotional volatility is a hallmark of the youth. The intense feelings experienced during this period can be overwhelming, leading to erratic behaviour as individuals attempt to cope with their emotions. Mood swings, heightened sensitivity and an increased susceptibility to stress are common. These emotional fluctuations can drive young people to engage in risky or unpredictable behaviours to manage or escape their feelings.

Moreover, mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, can contribute to erratic lifestyles. Mental health issues can also lead to physical violence. Trauma rewires the brain. Mental health help can only work when the patient is ready to work hard. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges of identity formation, can exacerbate these conditions. When mental health issues are present, erratic behaviour often observed can be a coping mechanism or a symptom of underlying psychological distress.

Autonomy is a central theme in adolescents’ experiences. Young people are striving to establish independence and assert their individuality. This quest for autonomy often involves testing boundaries and experimenting with different lifestyles and behaviours. While experimentation is a normal part of development, it can sometimes result in erratic behaviour as individuals explore and define their identities.

The desire to differentiate oneself from parental and societal expectations can lead to rebellious or unconventional choices. For example, a young person may engage in risky activities or adopt an unpredictable lifestyle as a form of self-expression or rebellion against perceived constraints. This behaviour is not necessarily indicative of a deeper issue but rather a manifestation of the natural process of self-discovery.

Society and family play crucial roles in shaping and responding to youthful erratic behaviour. Understanding and supporting parents, mentors and society at large can mitigate the negative aspects of an erratic lifestyle. Open communication, guidance and the provision of a stable environment can help young people navigate their developmental challenges more effectively. It is also important for society to acknowledge the unique pressures faced by the youth today. Getting married at the age when a person is mentally mature is essential, when both the girl and boy are willing to work hard with each other and core values are similar to each other. Educational systems, mental health resources and community support structures must adapt to the evolving needs of young people.

Imagine a Pakistan where skills are as valued as degrees. Vocational training programmes, tailored to industry needs, could be the game-changer. Public-private partnerships can create targeted employment opportunities and ensure that education aligns with industry needs. Offering spaces for exploration, providing access to mental health resources and fostering environments that encourage constructive risk-taking can help balance erratic aspects of youth with positive growth opportunities.

While an erratic lifestyle is often a youth phase, it is crucial for young individuals to eventually find a balance that supports their well-being. As they transition to adulthood, the process of integrating their experiences and establishing a stable sense of self becomes more pronounced. This process involves learning from past behaviours, setting goals and developing strategies for managing impulses and making informed decisions.

The erratic lifestyle often observed in youth is a multifaceted phenomenon that is influenced by developmental, social, emotional and cultural factors. Although this period is marked by unpredictability and experimentation, it is also a critical time for growth and self-discovery. Mental health systems in Pakistan are still in their infancy. It will take 15-16 years before a change is seen. Reimagining education is crucial. By integrating practical skills, entrepreneurship and critical thinking into curricula, Pakistan can produce graduates ready for the challenges of the modern workplace. Understanding these underlying dynamics can help provide appropriate support and guidance to young individuals as they navigate this complex phase of life.

The writer is a family physician