More stress, less support: Young people around the world are feeling more pressure. This is the result of an international study by the World Health Organization and the trend can also be seen in Germany: experts are urgently calling for changes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young people in Europe and around the world are feeling increasing pressure from school. This is especially true for older students and girls. In a comprehensive WHO study, 62% of girls and 43% of boys surveyed aged 15 reported feeling pressured by school stress.
The study refers to data from 2022. In a precedent survey of this type four years earlier they were only 54 and 40% respectively.
At the same time, in the most recent survey, only about 67% of all participating 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds reported receiving high family support. In the previous study it was just under 73%. Girls generally reported less family support than boys.
“These trends impact the mental health and well-being of millions of young people, particularly older ones and those from less affluent families,” the Copenhagen-based WHO Europe highlighted.
The consequences on their health and future prospects could be long-lasting, warned WHO regional director Hans Henri P. Kluge. “These findings should be a wake-up call to all of us to improve the conditions in which our young people grow up.”
Die new findings from the WHO are part of a comprehensive health study for which nearly 280,000 children and young people aged eleven, 13 and 15 from 44 countries and regions in Europe, Central Asia and Canada were surveyed in 2022. Compared to the previous survey in 2018, researchers found an alarming decline in social support for children.
Coordinated measures are needed at local, regional and national levels. With the aim of creating more enabling environments, addressing inequalities and strengthening the various systems on which young people depend, WHO has now launched a call to Europe. These measures must address diverse gender challenges and support girls in particular at their critical stages of development.
In an international comparison, German students fare better: school pressure values have increased almost everywhere in a four-year comparison, especially among 15-year-old girls; however, they are well below average for both boys and girls in every age group.
As regards family support, however, the Federal Republic corresponds to the international average, despite worsening in all age and gender groups.
One recently released in October Study from Norway confirms the results of the WHO study. For this purpose, data from almost 140,000 young people aged between 13 and 19, interviewed in 2021 as part of a regular cohort study, were evaluated. And even there, girls, both in lower and upper schools, perceive more academic stress than boys. They felt less cared for by teaching staff and were generally more dissatisfied.
Norwegian researchers have concluded that there is a close link between school stress and life satisfaction. As “moderators”, teachers, whose type of supervision, obviously play a crucial role in the daily lives of young people. It is therefore recommended to take this into account in training and pedagogical tasks.
dpa/sk
Interview: Time.news Editor with WHO Expert on Youth Stress and Support
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re discussing a critical issue affecting young people worldwide: increasing school-related stress and declining family support, as highlighted in a recent World Health Organization study. Here with us is Dr. Anna Müller, an expert in youth mental health. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s my pleasure to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The WHO study revealed that a staggering 62% of girls and 43% of boys aged 15 reported feeling pressured by school stress. What do you think are the primary factors that have contributed to this increase?
Dr. Müller: There are several factors at play. One major influence is the heightened academic expectations that students face today. The pressure to perform well in exams and secure spots in prestigious educational institutions is intense. Furthermore, the digital age plays a role; social media can amplify stress as young people compare their achievements with others.
Editor: It’s concerning to see that family support has also declined, with only 67% of young people reporting feeling supported by their families. How does this lack of support affect their mental health and overall well-being?
Dr. Müller: Family support is crucial for healthy emotional development. When young people don’t feel supported at home, it can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased resilience against stress. The study indicates that the mental health of young people is at risk, especially for those from less affluent backgrounds where support systems may already be strained.
Editor: The findings also highlighted a significant disparity in support received by girls compared to boys. Why do you think this gender difference exists?
Dr. Müller: Societal expectations and gender roles can greatly influence the dynamics of family support. Girls may be socialized to feel that they need to achieve higher standards, leading to increased pressure. Moreover, societal issues such as gender inequality can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, particularly during developmental stages when self-esteem is crucial.
Editor: What recommendations does the WHO provide to address these alarming trends?
Dr. Müller: The WHO emphasizes the need for coordinated measures at local, regional, and national levels. This includes creating supportive environments, addressing inequalities, and improving mental health resources in schools. Specifically, initiatives that focus on supporting girls during critical development phases are paramount to fostering an equitable environment for all students.
Editor: You mentioned that students in Germany fare somewhat better than their peers in other countries. What do you believe accounts for this difference?
Dr. Müller: While pressure levels have indeed risen for German students, the overall values remain below the European average. This might be due to various factors, including better access to mental health services and a more robust educational support system compared to other regions. However, the trend still requires attention and ongoing efforts to ensure students’ mental well-being is prioritized.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message would you like to share with parents, educators, and policymakers regarding this issue?
Dr. Müller: It’s essential for everyone involved in a young person’s life to understand the pressures they face and the importance of open dialogue. We must prioritize mental health education and create an environment where young people feel safe to express their struggles. Collaboration between families, schools, and health professionals is crucial in creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures our youth.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller. Your insights are invaluable as we work to understand and address the challenges young people face today. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss this pressing issue with us.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue this conversation and work together to support our youth.