Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Health revealed symptoms of depression and anxiety among school-aged children and teenagers, during the Free Health Check program, were over four times higher than in adults and older adults.
The finding is based on 71 million citizens who have participated in the government's health screening initiative as of October.
"There are over 380,000 children showing signs of depression and nearly 380,000 showing signs of anxiety," Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the ministry, Imran Pambudi, said in Jakarta on Monday.
WHO data in 2022 highlighted mental health disorders as a leading cause of disability worldwide, Pambudi said, with more than 700 million people living with depression and anxiety. Fewer than half of those affected receive treatment.
"Even more concerning, half of all mental health conditions develop before the age of 14, often hiding behind behavioral changes, physical complaints, or declining academic performance," Imran said.
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He added the technology is advancing rapidly, making smartphones and social media an inseparable part of the youth's daily lives.
While the tools make interaction easier and information seemingly endless, this convenience comes at a heavy cost, the growing threat to mental health.
"However, the expansive digital space has a dark side. UNICEF notes four out of ten children have had terrifying experiences online, while nearly half have fallen victim to cyberbullying," he said.
The growing prevalence of digital sexual violence and children's exposure to online gambling further compounds these threats.
According to Imran, the impact is tangible, ranging from feelings of guilt, persistent anxiety, and depression to social isolation and strained family relationships.
To address the situation, the ministry is implementing a community-based framework. Promotive measures focus on education and positive parenting, while preventive steps include routine mental health screenings.
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Early intervention is provided through hotlines like Healing119.id, which has been accessed by over 280,000 people since July 2025.
Curative and rehabilitative support is also made available through medical and psychological services spanning from community health centers (puskesmas) to hospitals.
Furthermore, he also urged parents to set an example for screen time usage, foster open and non-judgmental communication, set shared boundaries for screen limits, maintain a balance in their children's daily activities, remain attentive to warning signs, and help children explore positive offline interests.
The Ministry of Health is also equipping the public with psychological first aid skills using the "look, listen, and link" approach to connect children with professional support.
Therefore, he said, reducing digital exposure that triggers anxiety, having the courage to speak up, and seeking professional help are essential steps to sustaining hope.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Raka Adji
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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