Overview
- The University of Bielefeld study, reported Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surveyed 1,095 children and adolescents aged 6–16 about self‑image, worries and role models.
- Large majorities say they have strengths and value themselves—about 94–96%—yet many also report anxiety and pressure, with more than half fearing they will make mistakes and about one quarter feeling useless at times.
- Children from less privileged families fare worse on self‑measures, reporting worries at 28% versus 13% for better‑off peers and fear of making mistakes at 62% versus 40%.
- Adolescents who use social media six or more hours per school day show almost three times the rate of underaverage self‑worth compared with those using it under two hours, an association the study notes as correlational not causal.
- Most young people name private role models—parents, siblings or relatives—and child‑welfare groups say expanding stable, trusted adult relationships is the clearest practical response, though no national policy change has been announced.