According to the latest EU Youth Report, mental illnesses among young people are more common than ever in the European Union. An estimated 10-20% of young Europeans suffer from mental health illnesses, with one-fifth suffering from developmental, emotional and behavioural problems. Young people have to face many challenges related to the transition from childhood to adulthood which are exacerbated by societal and family pressures. The mental health of children and young people is also influenced by the economic crisis, both through the situation of their parents and through their own difficulties.Failure to treat mental health disorders in children can have a devastating impact on their future, resulting in reduced job and life expectations and, as such, appropriate measures of prevention and early intervention to tackle mental distress need to be implemented. Intervening early for children with mental health problems has been shown not only to reduce health costs but also realise larger savings such as improved educational outcomes and reduced unemployment and crime. Better care of young people's mental health can be ensured in schools through better training of staff and raising awareness of bullying, aggression and exclusion practices. Poor relationships have heavy outcomes on young people's educational, behavioural, social and psychological attitudes and, therefore, there is a great need to provide support for parents.This timely international symposium provides an invaluable opportunity to explore the effectiveness of current policy measures at the EU level to ensure the positive mental health of children and young people, and raise awareness of prevention and early intervention. This symposium will allow delegates to discuss the vital role of health practitioners, as well as schools and parents in identifying warning signs for children and young people at high risk of mental health problems.