Study: Social contacts crucial for care of traumatized Ukrainian children - How German Friendships Are Healing Ukrainian Children's Trauma

Ukrainian children fleeing to Germany have faced significant mental health challenges since their arrival. While their well-being initially lagged behind that of German peers, improvements have been noted over time. New findings now highlight how social connections with Germans play a key role in accessing much-needed support.

When Ukrainian children first arrived in Germany, their mental well-being was poorer than that of local children. Over the following year, their condition gradually improved, though gaps remained. By 2023, 67% still reported worse mental health than their German counterparts.

Access to professional help varied depending on family interactions. Children whose parents had daily contact with Germans were more likely to receive support—46% did, compared to just 29% in families with less frequent contact. Parental employment status did not affect access to care, but early social integration did.

By 2025, around one-third of Ukrainian children with low mental well-being had received specialised assistance. Researchers noted that stronger social ties with Germans helped parents seek out professional services for their children. However, no precise figures exist for those who received no support at all by the end of 2023.

The mental health of displaced Ukrainian children remains a pressing concern, with long-term effects on their development and education. Social integration with German communities has proven vital in securing professional help. Without such connections, many children risk missing out on necessary support.