The German Study on the Health of Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), conducted from 2014 to 2017, shows that, according to their parents, a total of 14.6% of girls and 12.2% of boys aged 15 to 17 exhibited mental health concerns. Adolescents with a low socioeconomic status are affected significantly more often. Mental health influences social participation, quality of life, and performance. If mental health issues are not recognized in a timely manner, they can persist into adulthood. The consequences include psychosocial impairments that often result in healthcare costs. To address these issues effectively in the long term, early prevention and health promotion are essential.
The “Stark in die Zukunft” program promotes the psychosocial well-being of schoolchildren and is aimed at adolescents (ages 15 and up) in 9th grade. It is designed to empower them to lead healthy, self-determined lives. Specific topics covered by the program include: resilience, self-efficacy, stress, self-management, conflict resolution, and communication. In 2020, we supported a comprehensive school in Melsungen as part of the program.
All information about the program can be found at:
https://www.stark-in-die-zukunft.com/