German Students and Experts Demand Increased Mental Health Support in Schools
Growing mental health challenges among German youth spur calls from students and experts to bolster school-based support, including more social workers and educational reforms.
- • Over 20% of German children and adolescents experience psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.
- • The Bundesschülerkonferenz proposes a ten-point plan including more school social workers and media literacy education.
- • The Institute of the German Economy estimates the annual cost of mental illnesses in Germany at about 150 billion euros.
- • The Federal Ministry of Education is working on a mental health strategy, but political representatives urge faster action.
Key details
A growing mental health crisis among German youth has prompted student representatives and experts to call for enhanced mental health support within schools. Recent reports reveal that over 20% of children and adolescents suffer from psychological issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm, and eating disorders, with feelings of loneliness affecting more than a third of students. These challenges have economic repercussions as well, with the Institute of the German Economy (IW) estimating the annual costs of mental illnesses in Germany to be nearly 150 billion euros, noting that half of all such conditions begin before age 15.
The Bundesschülerkonferenz (BSK), representing student interests, has introduced a ten-point plan to better support youth mental health. This plan advocates for increasing the number of school social workers and psychologists, providing training for teachers to effectively recognize and respond to mental health needs, and integrating media literacy education across all subjects to help students cope with digital pressures. Additionally, the BSK emphasizes the importance of schools offering education on stress management and creating safe spaces for mental health discussions.
Quentin Gärtner, Secretary General of the BSK, underscored the urgency of these measures, stating that many students currently must manage their mental health challenges largely on their own. Nele Vogel, a recent high school graduate, shared her personal struggles with depression and highlighted the lack of adequate support in schools.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education is developing a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention and early detection of mental health issues among youth, though political representatives express concern that progress remains too slow.
Despite some improvements since the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of mental health distress among young people has not returned to pre-pandemic norms, threatening their academic performance and future workforce participation. Experts and student leaders alike stress that immediate, sustained action is crucial to safeguard the well-being of Germany's future generations.