What Factors Influence the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents?

The mental health of children and young people is strongly influenced by family, school and digital media. In addition to risks such as pressure to perform or bullying, there are also protective factors such as stable relationships and resilience. In this article, you will learn how to identify risks, strengthen protective mechanisms and successfully implement prevention measures.

Why Mental Health Is So Important at a Young Age

When children reach puberty, physical changes, school expectations and first friendships all come together at once. Without a stable mental foundation, this can quickly become overwhelming. Healthy mental development is therefore crucial for children to be able to overcome challenges, deal with setbacks and build a positive self-image.

Consequences of Untreated Mental Health Problems

• Short term: withdrawal, decline in performance, sleep disorders.
• Long term: increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders or addiction problems in adulthood.

According to WHO estimates, around 15% of young people (aged 10-19) suffer from a mental illness. Less than half of those affected receive help.

Protective Factors for Mental Stability

It is not only risks but also protective factors that influence children’s mental health:

• Stable bonds with parents or caregivers
• Friendships as a social safety net
• Meaningful leisure activities (sport, music, creative hobbies)

Access to professional help when problems are identified early on

Family Influences on Mental Health

The family is the most important foundation for children. This is where they learn trust, security – or insecurity. Positive influences such as a sense of security strengthen them, while conflicts or neglect can have a negative impact on young people’s mental health.

Parenting Style and Attachment

• Authoritarian: Strict rules, little say → Risk of anxiety and low self-esteem.
• Democratic: Clear rules combined with warmth → promotes resilience and healthy relationships.
• Laissez-faire: Little guidance → insecurity, problems at school and with friends.

Children who are involved in their parents’ decisions usually develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy and more confidence in their own abilities.

Conflict and Parental Separation

Divorce does not automatically mean a threat to children’s mental health. The decisive factor is how parents deal with it:

• Conflictual: Loyalty conflicts, more frequent anxiety disorders.
• Peaceful: Clear communication, stable bonds remain intact.

Security and Support as Protective Factors

Children who feel welcome and loved are more mentally resilient. This includes:

• Attention in everyday life
• Fixed routines (dinner, bedtime rituals)
• Open communication

The family can be either a protective shield or a stress factor for children. While stable bonds act as a foundation for mental health, unresolved conflicts can leave deep rifts.

Parents’ Mental Health as an Influencing Factor

An often underestimated factor is the mental state of the parents. Children of mothers or fathers with depression, anxiety or addiction disorders have an increased risk of developing mental disorders themselves. Early support for the whole family – for example, through family therapy or accompanying counselling – can be crucial in cushioning the impact of stress.

Find out more about child and adolescent therapy at the Verus Bonifatius Clinic here. We support families in creating stable structures and strengthening children in their development.

School, Performance and Social Pressure

School is not only a place of learning, but also a social hotspot. It is where friendships are formed, but also where bullying, pressure and exclusion occur. All of this affects the mental health of young people.

Pressure to Perform and Exam Anxiety

Exams, grade comparisons and parental expectations cause considerable stress for many children and young people. The consequences range from sleep disorders and psychosomatic complaints to declining self-esteem. For example, a student may get poor grades despite regular tutoring – the feeling of failure grows and can quickly lead to depression in adolescence.

Bullying and Exclusion in Everyday School Life

• Direct bullying: teasing, violence, laughing at others.
• Cyberbullying: attacks via WhatsApp, Instagram or TikTok.

Schools with bullying prevention programmes and clear rules report fewer mental health issues.

Positive School Experiences as a Protective Factor

School can also be a safe space:

• Appreciation by teachers
• Strong class communities
• Individual support to prevent over- or under-challenging

School is like a second home – it can be a safe place full of opportunities or an environment that increases anxiety and stress. Clear structures, fair rules and supportive teachers are crucial.

Digital Media and Its Impact

Smartphones, social media and gaming shape the everyday lives of children and young people. They offer opportunities, but also pose significant risks to mental health.

Opportunities Through Digital Networking

• Learning platforms such as Anton App or Sofatutor promote knowledge.
• Networks make it easier to maintain friendships even at a distance.
• Creative tools such as music apps or video editing programmes promote talent.

Risks of Social Media and Gaming

• Pressure to compare oneself to ‘perfect’ Instagram or TikTok worlds
• Lack of sleep due to excessive use of digital media
• Cyberbullying: constant stress around the clock
• Gaming addiction: recognised as a separate disorder since 2022

While moderate gaming can promote social contact, excessive gaming often leads to isolation and problems at school.

Finding Balance

• Introduce fixed screen times
• Reflect on and discuss content together
• Create regular ‘offline times’ in everyday family life

Digital media are neither purely risky nor a panacea. Like any tool, they can be enriching when used consciously – or harmful when balance is lost.

Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health

Prevention means cushioning stress at an early stage, strengthening protective factors and promoting resilience in children and young people.

Prevention in the Family Environment

• Open communication and taking concerns seriously
• Stable routines and clear daily structures
• Parents as role models in dealing with stress

Data from the RKI BELLA module show that children and young people who grow up in families with stable structures and supportive resources have, on average, better mental well-being and are less likely to develop mental health issues.

Prevention in Schools and Nurseries

• Anti-bullying programmes and clear rules
• Promoting social skills such as empathy and teamwork
• Mindfulness exercises and stress management techniques

Prevention Through Leisure Activities and Lifestyle

• Regular exercise reduces stress hormones
• Creative hobbies such as music or art promote self-expression
• A healthy diet and sufficient sleep strengthen mental balance

Building Resilience

• Experiences of self-efficacy (‘I can make a difference’)
• Training problem-solving skills
• Friendships and stable social networks as protective shields

If you notice signs of mental stress in your child, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Find out more about child and adolescent therapy at the Verus Bonifatius Clinic here. Our therapy not only supports affected children, but also actively involves parents in order to create stable structures together.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents

At what age does psychological help become necessary?

As early as nursery age, if there are signs of extreme anxiety or aggression.

What role do grandparents or other caregivers play?

They provide additional stability. Children with multiple caregivers develop a stronger sense of security.

What warning signs should parents take seriously?

Sudden drops in performance, withdrawal, mood swings or significant changes in eating or sleeping habits.