The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study has found that Slovenian adolescents’ mental health has deteriorated after lockdown measures were put in place. Those coming from non-nuclear and less wealthy families have not solely reported worse mental health outcomes but also insufficient dedicated spaces where to study, infrequent access to online tools and communication platforms and little or no support from teachers and parents in conducting school-related activities. Social isolation and underlying unfavourable economic situations play an important role in augmenting levels of stress, frustration and loneliness. The survey findings highlight that the situation of juveniles from less advantageous families should be continuously monitored to reduce (early) disparities, and inequalities and guarantee equal access to schooling and well-being.
Find more about the survey and its findings here.