Recent research indicates that many students are experiencing heightened anxiety due to global crises, with significant distress stemming from conflicts and climate issues. A survey reveals that 39% often worry about wars, while academic pressure exacerbates mental strain, particularly among girls. Low well-being levels are reported, especially in disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting the need for better support and feedback in schools. Experts emphasize the urgency for educational reforms to address these pressing mental health concerns.
Students Express Concern Amid Global Crises
Recent findings reveal that a significant number of students are grappling with anxiety, influenced by ongoing wars and crises around the world. The impact is profound, with one in four students indicating that their quality of life is considerably lower than it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Germany, issues such as armed conflicts, the climate crisis, and academic pressure are causing distress among students. This alarming trend is highlighted by the latest German School Barometer, a study conducted by the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Widespread Anxiety About Global Conflicts
From a survey conducted between April 26 and May 20, 2024, it was found that 39 percent of students often or very often express concerns about wars happening globally, including conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and the Israel-Gaza region. This survey included 1,530 students aged 8 to 17, alongside one parent each, in collaboration with the University of Leipzig.
The challenges faced by schools in Germany extend beyond just staffing shortages; there are significant learning deficits as well. The pressure to excel academically ranks as the second most significant source of stress, with one in four students reporting anxiety over their performance. Notably, girls aged 14 to 17 seem to be particularly affected by this pressure.
Furthermore, around 25 percent of respondents frequently contemplate the destruction of the climate and environment due to human actions, further contributing to their mental burden. As a result, over one-quarter of students (27 percent) rate their quality of life as low, with 21 percent feeling mentally overwhelmed. This situation is even more pronounced in low-income families, where one in three students expresses similar feelings.
The national education report has indicated that the education system in Germany is nearing a breaking point, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Support and Feedback in Schools Are Lacking
Additionally, 20 percent of students report low levels of well-being in school, and this figure rises to nearly 30 percent among those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The study highlights that effective support from teachers and good classroom management are crucial for enhancing school well-being. Alarmingly, 83 percent of students noted frequent disruptions during lessons, and 41 percent felt that most teachers do not assess students’ comprehension effectively.
Moreover, 28 percent of students indicated they receive no constructive feedback on how to improve, and 35 percent rarely have the chance to discuss their issues with teachers in class. These factors contribute to the mounting pressures faced by students.
Dagmar Wolf from the Robert Bosch Foundation expressed concern over the findings, stating, “It must alarm us when a quarter of the students experience school as pressurized, rate their own quality of life as low, and report being exposed to various existential fears.” Despite some improvement in quality of life since the pandemic, levels are still below pre-pandemic conditions, necessitating further research into how anxiety and pressure affect students.
Julian Schmitz, a scientific project leader at the University of Leipzig, has noted a global rise in mental health issues among young people following the pandemic, which has become a pressing societal concern given that mental illnesses are a leading cause of incapacity to work in Germany.
Fabian Schön, Secretary-General of the Federal Student Conference, described the results as shocking. He called for a re-evaluation of performance metrics in schools, suggesting that grades alone are inadequate and advocating for more personalized feedback and comprehensive assessments instead. In a progressive move, eleven schools in Saxony are trialing a grading system that eliminates traditional grades for four years.
Since its inception in 2019, the German School Barometer has provided crucial insights into the state of education in Germany, and the 2024 edition emphasizes the relationship between teaching methods and mental health, reflecting the urgent need for change in the educational landscape.