Association: More Funding for Schools with High Poverty Rate - Germany's student mental health crisis deepens as one in four report distress
A new study has revealed a worrying rise in mental health struggles among students in Germany. By 2025, one in four reported feeling psychologically burdened—an increase from 21 percent the previous year. The findings have prompted calls for urgent action from educators and unions alike.
The Thuringian Teachers' Association has responded by demanding greater support for schools with high numbers of pupils from low-income families. Tim Reukauf, chair of the state association, pointed to overcrowded syllabuses, intense academic pressure, and severe staff shortages as key factors behind the crisis.
Possible causes for the decline in mental well-being include fears about personal futures, anxieties over global conflicts, and constant exposure to distressing content on social media. Children from very low-income households appear particularly vulnerable. To address the issue, the union is pushing for targeted funding programmes, expanded psychological and social education services in schools, and more professional development for teachers. High-quality teaching and increased student involvement have also been highlighted as ways to improve mental health. However, no recent data exists on how many schools currently offer such support, especially for disadvantaged pupils.
The study underscores a growing mental health crisis among young people in Germany. Schools with limited resources and high-need students face the greatest challenges. Without additional support, the situation risks worsening in the coming years.
