The language school PELICAN is participating in the international European project Stronger Youth, which aims to support young people’s social skills and mental health through peer mentoring. One of the initial phases of the project was to map the psychological needs and problems of adolescents in the participating countries. The results of the survey among Czech adolescents revealed alarming trends in the area of mental health.
A total of 45 adolescents aged 18–20 took part in the research. The study showed that 82.2% of the respondents in the Czech Republic experience anxiety, stress, or depression. These feelings are most often linked to concerns about the future, school responsibilities, and career uncertainty. Furthermore, 44.4% of adolescents struggle with behavioral disorders, such as ADHD, personality disorders, or eating disorders. Equally alarming is the growing number of cases of self-harm and suicide attempts, with girls being the most at risk.
Social media have a major impact on young people’s mental well-being — they can be both a source of support and a place of cyberbullying and unhealthy social comparison. The family plays a crucial role in providing emotional support; however, up to 50% of young people report a lack of understanding and support from their parents. Another key factor is the school environment, which can serve as a safe space but also as a source of pressure and stress.
One possible way to improve the situation is to strengthen peer mentoring, which has proven to be an effective tool for preventing mental health problems. Better cooperation between families, schools, and professionals is also essential to ensure that young people have easier access to the help they need. Open communication about mental health and listening to young people are vital steps in creating a supportive environment.
Online Skills Assessment Tool (OSAT)
One of the key tools of the Stronger Youth project is the Online Skills Assessment Tool (OSAT). OSAT is designed to evaluate the key socio-emotional skills of adolescent mentors who support their peers. This tool assists in the selection of mentors and promotes their self-reflection and self-awareness.
OSAT assesses five main areas of competence: Empathy, Self-awareness, Communication skills, Mental health literacy, and Social responsibility. Each participant receives individual feedback and recommendations on how to further develop their skills. This tool not only facilitates the selection of suitable mentors but also supports the personal development of all adolescents who use it. If you would like to try this self-assessment test, you can find it on the Stronger Youth project website or directly here: https://strongeryouth.eu/osat-platform/
The Stronger Youth project brings concrete actions that can contribute to improving the mental health of Czech adolescents. Let’s share these findings and work together to create an environment where young people feel safe and supported.
