Survey among Prague school children shows alarming rise in mental health problems

A survey conducted by the Prague Social Services Centre indicates an alarming rise in mental health problems among schoolchildren. According to the results, a third of Prague's primary and secondary school children show severe symptoms of anxiety, 40 percent have bouts of depression and more than half have problems sleeping. According to experts 20 percent of children now need professional help. Over 10,000 from Prague schools took part in the survey. Prague Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija said the city is taking the matter very seriously, is building new mental health centres, strengthening prevention in schools and preparing an information campaign.