Study: Mental Strain on Children Rises Again for the First Time Since the Pandemic - Germany's youth face rising mental health struggles amid bullying and school stress

A new report reveals growing psychological strain among children and teenagers in Germany. One in four young people now report feeling mentally burdened, with bullying and academic pressure playing major roles. Schools and organisations have since expanded support measures to tackle these challenges.

The latest findings show that one-third of students aged 11 to 17 experience bullying by peers at least once a month. Fourteen-year-olds face the highest rates, while in-person bullying remains more common than online harassment—though both often occur together. Despite this, four out of five students know where to seek help if targeted.

Nearly half of all respondents also deal with intense academic pressure, including weekend study sessions. Those who trust their own abilities tend to report better well-being, but children from low-income families still struggle the most. Their psychological distress, low school satisfaction, and overall quality of life lag behind their peers.

In response, Germany's Mental Health Alliance launched on 18 February 2026, uniting experts from science, politics, and youth work. The alliance promotes early intervention in schools, nurseries, and families. Additional efforts include a €90,000 LupoLeo Award for mental health projects, UNICEF's #fühlICH campaign for teens, and the 'UNS GEHTS GUT?' initiative by the Federal Student Conference since November 2025. A Frankfurt-based foundation also opened a funding call for social media literacy and mental health, with applications open until April 2026.

The expanded support aims to ease the pressures on young people by improving prevention and access to care. Schools now focus more on teacher support, manageable academic challenges, and positive classroom environments. These steps follow clear evidence linking students' well-being to their confidence, resources, and sense of safety at school.