More than 71,000 students in Bandung have been indicated as experiencing mental health disorders, with the highest findings at the junior secondary level (SMP/MTs), reaching approximately 49.09 percent, dominated by symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to severe depression.
Based on free health screenings conducted by Bandung City Government from August to October 2025 involving 148,239 students, 71,433 students (48.19 percent) were recorded as having mental health problems.
At the junior secondary level (SMP/MTs), 76.46 percent of students showed symptoms of mild anxiety, 7.89 percent were indicated to have severe anxiety, 15.23 percent experienced mild depressive symptoms, and 7.42 percent were indicated to have severe depression. At the primary level (SD/MI), out of 80,724 participants, 43,390 students (53.75 percent) were indicated to have mental health problems dominated by mild anxiety and mild depression.
Meanwhile, at the senior secondary level (SMA/MA), 25.79 percent of students were indicated to have similar issues, and in special education schools (SLB), the figure reached 48.51 percent.
Responding to these findings, an academic and psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Psychology UGM), Diana Setyawati, Ph.D., highlighted the vulnerability of Alpha Generation to psychological pressure. According to her, this generation was born and raised in the digital era, where technology has rapidly advanced in providing access to various forms of information. Some online content has become a major trigger.
“The virtual world creates enormous insecurity. Children are exposed to more information than ever before, but unfortunately, some of it actually increases their insecurity,” she said on Tuesday (Feb. 24).
Dr. Setyawati explained that today’s generation grows up with values shaped by social media algorithms rather than family influences.
“There has been a shift in values. Social media is now dominated by instant gratification, hedonism, displays of wealth, and luxurious lifestyles. If families do not instill values at home, the family’s role will be replaced by what children see in the virtual world,” she stated.
According to Dr. Setyawati, preventive efforts must begin within the family through parents’ understanding of mental health. She explained that children with good mental health can recognize their potential, have life goals, manage daily stress, remain productive, and contribute to others.
“I believe parents need to understand the characteristics of good mental health in children, so when they observe behavioral changes, they understand what is happening and how to provide support,” she said.
She also emphasized that mental health issues among young people are a shared responsibility that must be addressed holistically. The government must provide education and training on family skills. Schools must adopt a School-Based Mental Health approach. Families must be strengthened to serve as the backbone of children’s mental well-being.
“Healthcare services must also be ready as public awareness increases,” she stressed.
In addition, she underscored the importance of building a mental health system as early as possible through holistic health promotion and prevention. This would enable young people to grow and develop optimally with emotional well-being.
“We must build a strong mental health system. Holistic promotion and prevention are essential so that our generation does not grow up with unaddressed vulnerabilities,” she concluded.
Author: Diyana Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: Freepik