Abstract
Children’s and adolescents’ mental health is increasingly affected by anxiety, stress, bullying, and self-harm, often intensified by social media and technological addictions. The lack of sufficient quantitative studies makes it difficult to measure the full extent of these problems, underlining the value of qualitative research to better capture key concerns. This study integrates perspectives from children, adolescents, parents, and professionals to provide a broad analysis, comparing overlaps and discrepancies in their views on mental health challenges, causes, and unmet needs. Twenty-one focus groups (N = 187) were conducted across four autonomous communities in Spain, involving representatives of all groups. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using MAXQDA 24 software to identify main themes. Children showed interest in mental health but noted that seeking psychological help is still taboo. Adolescents recognized the negative impact of excessive technology use and stressed the need for accessible psychological services. Parents highlighted the urgency of more resources and better coordination among institutions. Professionals emphasized the scarcity of preventive interventions and the lack of resources in the public system, which hinders adequate responses. The study concludes that comprehensive strategies are required to foster emotional education, expand school-based support, and improve coordination of resources from early childhood.
Plain Language Summary
Children’s and adolescents’ mental health is increasingly affected by anxiety, stress, bullying, and self-harm, often intensified by social media and technological addictions. The lack of sufficient quantitative studies makes it difficult to measure the full extent of these problems, underlining the value of qualitative research to better capture key concerns. This study integrates perspectives from children, adolescents, parents, and professionals to provide a broad analysis, comparing overlaps and discrepancies in their views on mental health challenges, causes, and unmet needs. Twenty-one focus groups (N = 187) were conducted across four autonomous communities in Spain, involving representatives of all groups. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using MAXQDA 24 software to identify main themes. Children showed interest in mental health but noted that seeking psychological help is still taboo. Adolescents recognized the negative impact of excessive technology use and stressed the need for accessible psychological services. Parents highlighted the urgency of more resources and better coordination among institutions. Professionals emphasized the scarcity of preventive interventions and the lack of resources in the public system, which hinders adequate responses. The study concludes that comprehensive strategies are required to foster emotional education, expand school-based support, and improve coordination of resources from early childhood.
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