Prague youth mental health study reveals rising AI use and distress

A long-term study conducted by the Prague City Hall and the Center for Social Services Prague involving approximately 11,000 students has revealed significant trends in youth mental health. The research indicates that one-quarter of students turn to artificial intelligence as their first point of contact when experiencing psychological distress, rather than seeking human assistance. This specific group of students exhibits lower overall well-being and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The findings also highlight severe mental health challenges among the surveyed population. One-third of students reported having contemplated suicide, with 20 percent having considered it within the last year. Additionally, one in ten students suffers from severe anxiety, and one in five reports symptoms of moderate to severe depression.

Barriers to seeking help include a lack of trust in educators; over 54 percent of students fear discussing serious problems with teachers, and more than half report having no adult at school they feel comfortable confiding in. The study also noted trends in risky behaviors, such as vaping, and a decline in the quality of peer relationships, with many students reporting experiences of verbal or physical bullying.