Current Global Crises and Youth Mental Health in Germany: The Role of Media Use, Coping and Resources

Background Young people are currently facing multiple global crises, including climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and related economic instability, while still experiencing the psychosocial aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study provides updated population-based data from the eighth wave of a German longitudinal study to examine youth mental health in this multi-crisis context and explores the role of individual coping strategies and social media use. Methods Data were drawn from eight survey waves (T1–T8) of the nationwide population-based longitudinal COPSY study, including n = 3,312 families and n = 2,291 adolescent self-reports. Validated instruments assessed health related quality of life (HRQoL), symptoms of mental disorders, worries related to global crises, social media use, coping strategies, risk factors and resources. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared with pre-pandemic German national reference data from 2014-17. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and logistic regression adjusted for age and gender. Results In autumn 2025, the proportion of children and adolescents reporting low HRQoL (22%), general mental health problems (23%), anxiety symptoms (25%), or loneliness (18%) remained slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels, while the prevalence of depressive symptoms (15%) was unchanged. Only among girls aged ≥ 14 years, anxiety and depressive symptoms increased significantly from 2024 to 2025. Worries continued to be widespread, especially regarding wars (70%), terrorism (62%) and economic problems (57%). Anxiety about the future was common, and more frequent in children and adolescents with low HRQoL and mental health problems (ORs = 1.8–3.4). Social media use was high, with many youths reporting exposure to distressing content. Active coping strategies were used most frequently and rated as most effective, while strong personal, familial and social resources showed robust protective effects (ORs = 0.1–0.2). Conclusion Five years after the onset of COVID-19, many indicators of youth mental health have improved compared to the early pandemic period, demonstrating a notable degree of recovery and resilience among young people. Nevertheless, elevated levels of crisis-related worries and associations between future anxiety and mental health underscore the ongoing vulnerability of youth. Strengthening supportive resources and promoting safe digital environments remain important targets for public health and prevention.