Overview
- The Bundesschülerkonferenz launched a Berlin campaign declaring a youth mental‑health crisis and cited the Deutsches Schulbarometer finding that 21% of pupils report being mentally burdened.
- The student plan calls for more school social workers and psychologists, targeted teacher training, media‑literacy instruction, binding anti‑bullying protections, and improved school structures with space for retreat.
- A new Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft analysis says untreated problems in childhood strain public budgets through higher care costs and lower future tax and social‑contribution revenues, arguing prevention pays off.
- IW Director Michael Hüther notes that about half of mental disorders begin before age 15 and that pandemic effects persist, with studies also pointing to widespread loneliness and unequal burdens on girls and lower‑income families.
- Germany’s Education Ministry says a national strategy on young people’s mental health is being prepared with a focus on prevention and early detection, while Green education leaders press for faster action.