Ida Ismail
The year 2025 marked a significant increase in cases of mental health problems among children and adolescents in Albania, turning the issue into a public alarm. Data published by the National Children's Hotline in Albania shows a continuous increase in cases related to anxiety, social pressure, family conflicts and situations of emotional danger.
According to CRCA annual report, through the children's line (ALO 116-111), 9.042 calls and 566 cases of communication via chat were recorded during 2025. These figures represent one of the highest levels reported in years. Behind each call are stories of children seeking support for feelings of isolation, fear, insecurity and lack of communication in the family or school.
Alarming increase in self-harm cases
One of the most worrying indicators of 2025 is the sharp increase in cases involving self-harming thoughts and behaviors. From two cases reported in 2021, the number has reached 91 cases during 2025. This increase in just a few years signals a serious deterioration in mental health and the urgent need for systematic interventions at the local and national levels. Meanwhile, unfortunately, cases of adolescent harm with life-threatening consequences have also been recorded in the first 2 months of 2026.
The report highlights 178 cases related to online safety and uncontrolled internet use. Cyberbullying, threats, and pressure are directly affecting children's self-esteem.
According to specialists, early exposure to technology and the lack of proper supervision have created an environment where emotional pressure is constant and often invisible to parents. Psychiatrist Sonila Tomorri said that cases of attempted murder have increased among girls aged 12-17, in addition to depression, anxiety, fear and insecurity.
"There are changes in their behavior. Consultations for 5-17 year olds around the world for mental health issues have increased. There is also a decline in learning, loss of hope and interest in the future," she said.
Mental health problems are not only related to the online world. During 2025, 44 cases of domestic violence and 16 cases of bullying at school were reported. Also, 144 cases were related to exploitation for profit, while 10 cases were related to sexual harassment, which constitute a serious trauma for the emotional development of children.
The data show that mental health problems affect both genders, with an almost balanced distribution of victims: 48% girls and women, 45% boys and men, as well as 7% of cases involving groups of children, who require increased attention due to their high emotional and social vulnerability. From a geographical point of view, the largest number of cases comes from Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan and Vlora, reflecting both population density and social and digital pressures in urban areas.
The report's findings confirm the urgent need for:
- Strengthening mental health Services for children and adolescents,
- Integrating psychosocial support in schools with that in the municipality and in the community,
- Raising awareness about the impact of online risks on children's emotional well-being.
The increase in cases raises questions about the system's capacity to cope with this situation. The limited number of psychologists in schools, the lack of specialized Services for children, and the stigma against psychological treatment remain significant challenges. The year 2025 marks a turning point that requires a coordinated institutional response, before the mental health crisis among children deepens even further.acqj.al
