Nearly 40% of children in Ukraine report high stress – survey

The share of Ukrainian children experiencing significant stress has increased by 10% over the past year, often exacerbated by anxiety mirrored from their parents, a new survey by the Rating sociological group has shown.

Source: a survey by Rating Group, a Ukrainian independent research institution

Details: The report has found that 37% of children have elevated or high levels of stress, up by 10% on last year.

The increase has been especially marked among girls aged 10-13, with stress intensifying over the year for 40% of respondents in this group.

Rising stress among adolescents often comes with negative feelings; about 1 in 10 has been experiencing disappointment.

By contrast, children whose stress has decreased over the year report joy, calm and interest more frequently, with lower levels of anxiety, sadness and disappointment.

The survey shows that in roughly one in five cases the dominant emotions of children and parents have coincided in recent months. Most commonly this is anxiety, which children take on from their parents, which results in elevated stress levels.

The survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents. Fieldwork has been conducted from 3 to 7 October 2025 using telephone interviews and online surveys.

Background: A separate study has shown that Ukrainians report a middling level of life satisfaction, with anxiety rising, particularly among residents of the east of Ukraine and those aged over 60.

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