Barmer Study: School Stress Burdens Every Third Adolescent

Causes and risk factors

The findings raise the question of which concrete measures should follow at the school and political level. Among the ideas discussed are the expansion of in-school psychological services, more dedicated contact persons for students, as well as relief in the curriculum and in classroom tests. Barmer also advocated for early accessibility of low-threshold support services.

For parents and teachers, the figures mean that warning signs such as sleep problems, withdrawal behavior, or a noticeable loss of motivation should be taken seriously. The health insurer recommends seeking medical or psychological support in cases of persistent strain. Exchanging information with the school or the youth welfare office can also be a first step.

What parents and schools can do

The findings must also be seen against the backdrop of an already strained situation in the education system. Across the country, there is a shortage of school psychologists, while demands are simultaneously rising due to all-day care, digitalization, and individualized support. The study thus also provides educational policy stakeholders with an empirical basis for the upcoming consultations.

Overall, the survey shows that the burden affects not only individual adolescents but has a society-wide dimension. When a third of young people feel massively burdened, this has consequences for the mental health of a generation and, in the medium term, also for the healthcare system. Prevention is therefore described not only as an educational but explicitly also as a public health task.

Education policy debate

Parallel to the publication of the study results, the federal government is preparing for its first cabinet retreat after the summer break. In this format, key political projects are deliberated, which, according to observers, could also include the strengthening of prevention and children's health. The study is likely to fuel the debate about additional investments in the mental health of students.

At the same time, the question remains as to how robust the figures are and which age groups are particularly affected. The Barmer study was commissioned by a health insurer and is therefore not neutral in its sponsorship; however, comparable surveys by other institutes paint a similar picture. For the political discussion, the investigation nevertheless provides concrete arguments for initiating measures against school stress.