School Stress Takes a Toll on Teenagers’ Mental Health, Hungarian Survey Finds

One-third of young people experience anxiety on a regular basis, with school being the most significant stressor, based on a nationwide survey conducted by the Idea Institute in the summer of 2026, which was released on October 10 to mark World Mental Health Day.

According to the analysis titled “How Are You, Young People?”, 37 percent of young people often or almost every morning start their day feeling anxious and tense. Forty-one percent fall into the “at-risk mental health” category, which amounts to more than 200,000 young people out of the approximately 580,000 14- to 19-year-olds in the population.

This classification does not constitute a psychiatric diagnosis, but it clearly indicates that the mental state of those affected may require increased attention and support.

Young people’s mental health deteriorates as they transition into adulthood; the mental health of 16- to 19-year-olds can be considered particularly at risk, as their average scores fall below acceptable levels. The data are even more unfavorable among girls. Furthermore, lower well-being scores were observed among those in single-parent families, those experiencing financial difficulties, those living in Central Hungary (outside the capital), and those living in smaller or “more conflict-ridden” social networks. “Young people are aware of the problem, but seeking help is hindered by significant trust barriers,” the study states.

Many people try to hide their problems.

For 67 percent of respondents, feelings of shame can be a barrier to asking for help; for 63 percent, it is concern about whether their problems will be taken seriously; and 42 percent believe that many people simply do not know where to turn.

Social relationships serve as an important safety net, even as many young people experience abuse. Friends and immediate family members are the most important sources of informal support for young people. Eighty percent of respondents consider their friends to be understanding and helpful, and 73 percent say the same about their parents. At the same time, 57 percent of respondents reported having been abused in some form over the past year. This could amount to approximately 330,000 young people. The most common form of abuse is teasing and malicious gossip, which 41 percent of respondents mentioned; an additional 39 percent cited hurtful, humiliating criticism, and 34 percent cited ostracism, based on the study.

School is the most significant source of stress, but it can also play a supportive role.

“Among the sources of stress examined, academic expectations, grades, and decisions related to further education and career choices placed the greatest burden on 14- to 19-year-olds,” states the study based on a survey conducted at the beginning of the summer school break. At the same time, school can provide a regular daily routine, a peer community, opportunities for social connection, and potentially supportive adults, they added.

Forty-three percent of young people are worried that they cannot decide what to do with their lives.

Many felt that the education system does not provide them with sufficient practical guidance on continuing their education, entering the workforce, and starting an independent life, the study noted.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is widespread among 14- to 19-year-olds; 96 percent of those surveyed use it with some frequency, and nearly one in two respondents uses it daily. AI is primarily used for practical, educational, and informational purposes, but it also plays a significant role in emotional and personal matters. More than half of young people who use social media have sought help, advice, or information at least once regarding emotional or personal issues. This is more common among girls, those aged 16–19, and those who are less willing to discuss their problems with others. According to the study, 44 percent of those who use social media for emotional or personal topics felt they received meaningful help.

“According to WHO data, about half of all mental health problems that arise over the course of a lifetime develop by the age of 14, and nearly half of the cases experienced in adulthood begin before the age of 18,” the study pointed out.

Via MTI; Featured photo: Pexels

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