Children mental health in Wrocław is becoming an increasingly important public health issue. New data from the PICTURE study show that many children and adolescents experience anxiety, fatigue and concentration problems linked to everyday overload.
In a 2025 article published in Nutrients, researchers from Wroclaw Medical University analyzed data from children aged 7–17 examined in Wrocław between 2019 and 2023. The results show a high prevalence of headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, allergies, and — importantly — emotional and cognitive difficulties.
Anxiety, fatigue and learning difficulties
As many as 33% of parents reported problems with concentration, memory, and learning, with frequency increasing with age. Mental health data are equally concerning:
- over one-third of children experienced anxiety symptoms,
- about 15% showed depressive symptoms, rising to over 20% among adolescents,
- chronic fatigue and mood problems were common.
Girls were significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms, while impulsivity and anger outbursts were more common in boys.
Body weight is not the main driver
However, contrary to common assumptions, the study found no significant link between body weight and emotional problems. Researchers emphasize that children’s mental health is shaped by multiple factors, including family environment, lifestyle, peer relationships, and psychosocial stress.
Winter break as a chance to reset
With winter break starting on February 2 in Lower Silesia, researchers stress that this time should support mental regeneration, not just school recovery. Reducing stress, limiting screen time, and focusing on relationships may play a key role in improving children’s well-being.
Children mental health in Wrocław remains a growing concern for families, educators and health professionals, especially as emotional problems increase with age.
A call for systemic action
The PICTURE study highlights the need for early intervention and interdisciplinary care, involving families, schools, healthcare providers, and local authorities. Children’s mental health, researchers argue, must be treated as a shared social responsibility.
The material is based on the article:
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243817
Authors: Klaudia Konikowska, Krzysztof Kujawa, Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz, Katarzyna Połtyn-Zaradna, Katarzyna Zatońska, Tomasz Zatoński, Katarzyna Kiliś-Pstrusińska
Project: PICTURE – Population Cohort Study of Wroclaw Citizens
Carried out by an interdisciplinary research team involving specialists in medicine, public health, and health sciences, in cooperation with clinical and research units and a biobank affiliated with the Medical University of Wrocław.
Project leader: Prof. Tomasz Zatoński, PhD