The German School Barometer

According to the 2025/26 German School Barometer, the mental health strain on children and adolescents in Germany is rising again for the first time since the COVID‑19 pandemic. Young people from low-income families are particularly affected. Many students also report feeling significant performance pressure and say they often need to study even on weekends. A pronounced gap appears when it comes to student participation: While most students want more influence over lesson topics and exam formats, the majority feel they are rarely given a real voice. The study shows a clear connection here: Students who can participate in decision-making feel more comfortable at school. Bullying, including cyberbullying, also remains a common part of everyday life for many students. A substantial number of 11‑ to 17‑year‑olds report being regularly harassed by classmates, with 14‑year‑olds especially affected. On a positive note, awareness efforts in schools appear to be working: most students know whom they can turn to for help.

One focus of the study: the connection between teaching and mental health. According to the results, constructive support from teachers and good classroom management are central to academic well-being. However, there is room for improvement here: many students report frequent disruptions in class and that the majority of teachers do not ask students to explain what they have and have not yet understood. The study also sheds light on how parents and guardians deal with the issue of mental health and what offers of help they take up for their child. It shows that up to a third of parents are not familiar with the support structures at their children's schools.