This UNICEF report presents a comprehensive framework for understanding mental health across different stages of development. It highlights the dynamic interaction between socio-ecological layers including individual, community, and policy factors and their influence on mental health outcomes. The framework underscores the importance of addressing mental health from a global perspective, particularly in low-resource settings, and calls for inclusive, culturally relevant research. It provides valuable insights for designing interventions and policies that strengthen protective factors and reduce risks for children and adolescents.

