Young people's mental health strong but strained by war and career fears

A new study reveals that many young people report good mental health, yet concerns about war and future careers are growing. While 88 percent feel mentally well, pressures from school, work, and global issues are weighing heavier than before. The findings also highlight differences in stress levels, digital habits, and support-seeking behaviours across groups.

School and vocational training remain the top sources of stress for young people. One in three feel their education has left them poorly prepared for life. Financial worries and discrimination add to the burden, particularly for those with a migration background.

Girls and young women face even higher stress levels, especially regarding their personal futures and global developments. Among them, young migrant women report the most significant pressures. Meanwhile, 40 percent of all young people now feel weighed down by conflict—a sharp rise from 25 percent in previous surveys.

Digital habits also play a role in well-being. A quarter admit to continuing with social media or gaming despite negative effects, though 26 percent say these activities improve their mood. When struggling, one in ten turn to AI for help, mirroring the number who seek professional counselling. In Germany, two-thirds of 12- to 19-year-olds use AI, with 60 percent wanting mandatory AI education in schools. Austria sees even higher usage, with 94 percent of teenagers relying on AI chatbots for school tasks. In contrast, Switzerland's young people use AI less for support, while in China, limited access to therapists drives more reliance on AI platforms like DeepSeek.

Despite these challenges, 10 percent of young people are currently in psychotherapy, indicating a mix of resilience and need for support.

The study underscores a complex picture: most young people feel mentally well, yet rising stress from education, global conflicts, and financial pressures persists. Differences in AI use and support-seeking reflect varying access to resources, with some turning to technology where professional help is scarce.