There is considerable evidence from studies with adults that volunteering benefits a person’s physical and mental health. 1[■] A 2023 analysis suggested that young people who had participated in community service were more likely to be in excellent health and stayed calm when faced with challenges.
2[■] It could be that the children volunteers were already in great health. But because of an alarming rise in mental health issues among young people, environmental health scientists believe this early evidence is promising enough to pursue. A 2021 advisory warned that the number of young people reporting constant feelings of sadness or hopelessness had increased by 40 percent over the previous decade. There are multiple possible causes, including anxiety over climate change, the effects of social media use and unfriendly personal circumstances.
To address these problems, researchers point to the importance of “ contribution” as an essential piece of social and emotional development for teenagers. Volunteering is one good way young people can contribute. 3[■] In 2022, developmental psychologist Parissa Ballard and her colleagues tested volunteering as an intervention for nine 14-to-20-year-olds who had been recently diagnosed with mild to moderate depression or anxiety. After 30 hours of volunteer work at community organizations, the average reduction in depressive symptoms was 19 percent.
What accounts for the benefits? Helping others improves mood and raises confidence. It provides rich ground for building social connections. It also changes how young people see themselves. Many teens don’t feel important. 4[■]
There may be a potential downside to volunteering, however. 5[■] “ Young people have to choose something that feels meaningful to them,” Ballard says. Adults can help by offering choices and checking volunteer opportunities to be sure that organizations are well run and equipped to offer a good experience.