Statistics show that the number of children in need in Estonia is growing. In 2020, 3,052 children needed help. In 2024, this number is 3,903 children. This is 28% more than four years ago.
Specialist Ketlin Lepik says that people's awareness has increased. People notice and report more children in need than before.
Mental health problems among children have become more common. Children suffer from depression, anxiety, and concentration difficulties. Young people also have suicidal thoughts.
Mental health problems arise from family financial difficulties, stress, and parental mistakes. This weakens the child's sense of security.
The number of 15-17-year-olds in need has increased the most. Over five years, their number has grown by 50%. In 2024, 510 such children needed help.
Young people experiment with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs as teenagers. Problems with parents and school can become more serious. Social media pressure and cyberbullying make the situation more difficult.
The need for help among 7-10-year-olds has increased by 191 children over four years. There are more boys in need than girls. In 2024, there were 2,142 boys in need (55% of all cases).
Specialists have too much work. School psychologists and child protection workers cannot help everyone. Service queues are long. Due to more children in need, more money, specialists, and preventive work are needed.
The highest number of children in need is in Harju County (1,522), of which 1,058 are in Tallinn. In Tartu County, there are 582 children in need. In smaller counties, there are fewer than 150.
At the beginning of 2024, the law was changed. Teachers, coaches, and other specialists now have a greater responsibility to notice children in need. Local governments must provide them with help.