Psychische Belastung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in der Coronazeit: Literaturüberblick und Projektskizze

BACKGROUND: International studies show that measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to increased mental health problems in children and adolescents. Overall, there are many study activities on this topic, but only a few representative studies for Germany. OBJECTIVES: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents in Germany will be investigated, as well as the risk and protective factors for mental well-being during the pandemic. Subsequently, an EU-wide project will be outlined, which aims to promote the mental health of students through a training program for teachers and other educators. METHODS: Using literature databases PubMed and Medline, an unsystematic literature search was carried out in the sense of a narrative review. The studies included in this work were selected based on their thematically appropriate abstract. RESULTS: The number of children showing mental or behavioral problems increased rapidly. Above all, social isolation, fears and insecurity, as well as conflicts within the family due to excessive demands or financial worries, lead to a deterioration in the psychological situation of children and young people. The consequences are depressive moods, behavioral problems and psychosomatic complaints. CONCLUSION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents should not be underestimated. There will also be a special need for support in the coming years.