How children feel. Children’s perceptions of mental health in 4 EU Member States

Eurochild

Erscheinungsjahr
2025

Autor:innen
Eurochild

Sprache
Englisch

Art des Medium
Artikel & Fachtext

Bildungsbereiche
Studium

Themenfelder
Gesundheit, Kindeswohlvorrang, Monitoring, Partizipation

The report captures the perspectives of 134 children aged 6–17 from Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, and Malta on mental health. Children define mental health as emotional well-being, encompassing thoughts, feelings, and stress management. They identify school pressure, social media, and family dynamics as key stressors, alongside stigma that hinders seeking help. Safe, trusting environments are crucial for open expression, and many children advocate for integrated mental health support within schools. They call on adults to listen empathetically, reduce academic pressure, and ensure accessible, confidential services. The report emphasizes the importance of children’s voices in shaping policies that address their mental health needs.