UNICEF Report: Middle School Students Exposed to Emotional Risks and Psychological Vulnerabilities

Middle school students in our country face chronic fatigue, anxiety, loneliness and risky behaviors such as bullying, self-harm or substance use, shows a report on the well-being and mental health of children. The document was produced within the framework of the "Policies and Resources for Safe and Supportive Schools” project, funded by the European Union and implemented with the support of UNICEF and the European Commission.

• Who are the most vulnerable

Emotional vulnerabilities are more pronounced in the case of girls, urban students, children with special educational needs (SEN), Roma and refugees. The analysis shows that 23% of middle school students - that is, almost 1 in 4 - are at risk of emotional disorders at school.

• Common symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, worry

Most students report: persistent fatigue - 45%; anxiety and agitation - 33%;

excessive worry - 31%. The risks increase with age and are twice as common in girls as in boys. Students who self-identify as non-binary also report a high prevalence of emotional imbalances.

• Students' relationship with school

Although 70% of students say they feel good in the group, the report shows important gaps:

only 63% feel respected; 60% feel protected; only 54% would turn to the school counselor in case of need. At the same time, 40% do not feel encouraged to express their opinions, and over a quarter have experienced situations of fear towards their peers. Trust in school and teachers decreases with age.

• Socio-emotional imbalances and associated risks

Approximately 13% of students are at medium or high risk of socio-emotional imbalance, with deficits in at least three of the five SEL dimensions (socio-emotional skills). These children report significantly lower scores in self-awareness, emotion management, and relationships.

• Bullying and risky behaviors

The phenomenon of aggression is widespread: 19% of students report frequent experiences of intimidation; 16% are victims of bullying; 15% admit to being aggressors. An alarming 25% of students show tendencies to self-harm, especially among girls. Students with emotional difficulties are twice as likely to resort to self-harm or substance use.

• Peers' attitude, an aggravating factor

The report indicates that 46% of students do not intervene when they witness acts of aggression, which perpetuates the phenomenon of bullying and amplifies the isolation of victims.

The study emphasizes that the well-being and mental health of middle school students in Romania are weakened by academic pressure, social inequalities and the digital environment. The authors call for systematic support and prevention measures, adapted psychoeducational interventions and the involvement of all educational actors to prevent the phenomenon from worsening.