Romania's Senate confronts teen mental‑health crisis

A Senate hearing in Romania presented a comprehensive report on the mental health of children and adolescents. The data shows that roughly one‑third of primary and secondary school students report physical or psychological abuse at school, while half have considered suicide at least once. About 24% of 11‑ to 15‑year‑olds are diagnosed with mental disorders, with conduct disorders being the most common.

Hospital admissions for mental‑health issues have risen 41%, and a single school counselor is responsible for up to 1,200 students. Students at the round‑table described extreme anxiety, pressure from excessive testing, bullying and a lack of emotional support. Officials attending included Education Minister Mircea Abrudean, Senate President Ștefan Pălărie and other senior advisers. The session ended with a pledge to launch a national consortium to improve mental‑health services for young people.

The testimonies and statistics underscore a growing mental‑health emergency among Romanian youth, prompting calls for policy action and greater resources in schools.