Calls Grow for National Strategy to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis in Germany
A national mental health crisis among German youth prompts calls for comprehensive action, increased school support, and a strategic government response to curb rising mental health issues and economic consequences.
- • Bundesschülerkonferenz declares mental health crisis with 21% of students affected by disorders and calls for urgent political action.
- • Dr. Anja Reinalter urges government to implement national mental health strategy and reverse cuts to school mental health programs.
- • Institute of the German Economy highlights over €63 billion annual costs linked to youth mental health challenges and advocates integrated policy approaches.
- • Calls include more school social workers, teacher training, improved school infrastructure, and enhanced digital literacy to support youth wellbeing.
Key details
A mounting mental health crisis among young people in Germany has prompted urgent calls from student representatives, politicians, and economic experts for comprehensive action and a national mental health strategy. The Federal Student Conference (Bundesschülerkonferenz, BSK) described the current situation as a "mental health crisis," with 21% of students reporting significant mental health burdens such as anxiety disorders, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders, according to the German School Barometer. Quentin Gärtner, Secretary-General of the BSK, stressed during a press conference that without decisive governmental intervention, not only is the wellbeing of youth at risk, but also broader economic stability and democratic health (IDs: 123003, 123001).
Dr. Anja Reinalter, Parliamentary Managing Director of the Green Party, emphasized that mental health is fundamental for education and personal development, warning that neglect leads to loss of learning abilities, motivation, and self-confidence among young people. She criticized the government's discontinuation of the Mental-Health-Coaches program without alternatives, advocating for increased school social work positions, better counseling for parents, and teacher training to address these issues effectively. Reinalter also highlighted the need for enhanced digital and media literacy education to help young people navigate online risks safely (ID: 123006).
Economic analyses by the Institute of the German Economy underline the immense costs, exceeding €63 billion annually, associated with poor youth mental health. These problems contribute significantly to school dropouts and long-term workforce impact, with around two-thirds of disability pensions for those under 30 linked to mental health conditions. The institute calls for integrating education, family, and health policies into a national strategy committed to sustainable mental health support and awareness programs, including medical assistance and safe environments for children facing adversity (ID: 122997).
Experts agree that although some improvements have occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic's peak, the mental health situation among youth remains far worse than pre-pandemic levels. Politicians from multiple parties, the teachers' associations, and the Bundesschülerkonferenz advocate for more school social workers, improved teacher preparation, modernized school infrastructure, and individualized student support. The COVID-19 pandemic's educational disruptions have left lasting mental health effects that demand urgent, coordinated policy responses (IDs: 123003, 123001).
These multifaceted demands come amid broader societal debates about mental health's role in security following recent violent incidents involving individuals with mental health histories. However, mental health advocates warn against securitization approaches that may stigmatize those seeking help, urging instead increased psychosocial care and prevention efforts (ID: 122998).