Global Crises Are Disrupting Students’ Academic Performance in Germany
Global challenges such as war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, the climate crisis and growing social polarisation are increasingly affecting the lives of students in Germany. The eighth wave of the COPSY study, conducted by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), shows that the mental health of children and adolescents has still not fully recovered, even five years after the start of the pandemic.
According to the study, 22 per cent of children and adolescents report a decline in their quality of life. Although quality-of-life indicators partially improved in 2022 and 2023 following a sharp drop during the pandemic, they have remained at a low level for the past two years. Even more concerning is the rise in psychological symptoms, particularly among girls aged 14 and over. The proportion showing depressive symptoms has increased from 11 to 17 per cent, while anxiety levels have risen from 20 to 31 per cent. These developments are reflected in declining academic performance, increased social withdrawal and more frequent peer conflicts in schools.
The research also shows that young people in Germany feel the impact of global crises intensely. Seventy per cent of students are worried about wars, 62 per cent about terrorism, 57 per cent about economic instability and 49 per cent about the climate crisis. Social polarisation (56 per cent) and debates around migration (51 per cent) are also major sources of concern. UKE researcher Dr Anne Kaman notes that exposure to unfiltered content on social media further heightens these anxieties.
According to the COPSY findings, strong family support and a sense of personal competence help protect young people’s mental health. However, the study also shows that disadvantaged students face a significantly higher risk, underscoring the need for targeted support efforts in schools.