More Danish children are receiving psychological help as bullying and mental health issues grow, with insurance companies reporting sharp increases in cases linked to school stress and family distress.
Sharp Rise in Kids Receiving Psychological Support
In nearly every Danish classroom today, there is a child who is often bullied. More families are now seeking professional help for their children’s emotional struggles. Several major Danish insurance providers have reported steep increases in children using their health coverage for psychological treatment.
Danica Pension, one of Denmark’s largest insurers, has seen a notable rise in the number of children accessing therapy sessions. Bullying is reported as one of the most common causes behind the need for professional support. According to the company, more parents are reaching out for help, a sign that awareness is also improving.
However, the growing demand also indicates a deeper issue: bullying and school-related stress continue to affect many families nationwide.
Other Insurers Notice the Same Trend
PFA and Tryg, two other major companies, confirm the same worrying trend. Over a five-year span, PFA saw a 200 percent increase in the number of children under 18 using their parents’ health insurance for mental health support. Most of these requests are linked to anxiety, attention difficulties, or school bullying.
Tryg also recorded a 74 percent increase in children receiving therapy since 2022. The company notes that school refusal, social withdrawal, and emotional distress are becoming more common reasons parents ask for help.
This development aligns with broader discussions about Danish mental health reforms such as Denmark’s ten-year plan to transform mental health care, which aims to address early intervention for children and families.
Experts Point to Increased Bullying and Strained Schools
Researcher Helle Rabøl Hansen, an expert on youth well-being, explains that more children are experiencing bullying than just a few years ago. She believes the increase comes from two main factors. First, more children are being bullied in real terms. Second, it has become socially accepted to seek help and talk openly about the problem.
A national well-being survey from 2025 showed that in every Danish classroom, at least one child experienced bullying over the past year. Even though the number has not risen since last year, it remains far higher compared to five years ago.
Despite more openness, the underlying causes remain complex. Many experts argue that this trend reflects broader issues of student well-being and structural stress in Danish public schools. Teachers face growing workloads, and schools report more absences linked to emotional distress.
Social Media and Family Impact
While social media is not considered the main reason for the rise, online interactions are adding new dimensions to student life. Digital platforms make it easier for bullying to spread beyond school grounds, heightening the emotional pressure children face.
The effects of bullying rarely stop with the child. Families are often deeply affected, and many parents describe feelings of helplessness when their child begins avoiding school. Insurance companies report that parents increasingly request counseling or family therapy to handle these situations.
According to reports from both Danica Pension and PFA, families whose children are bullied often experience mental strain themselves. Parents may have to miss work to care for their children, or they require support to rebuild a stable home routine.
In the past year alone, PFA has assisted over 700 families with resources and strategies for tackling child mental health challenges together. Experts highlight that focusing on family well-being is essential for recovery, not just treating the child individually.
Growing Awareness and a Need for Broader Solutions
Although the rise in cases can seem alarming, some professionals see one positive aspect. Society is becoming more willing to confront mental health struggles openly. More families know where to turn for help, and more children are gaining access to therapy through school programs or private insurance.
Still, the increasing reports of bullying and mental distress serve as a reminder that Danish schools remain under pressure. The challenge now lies in providing both teachers and families with enough resources to prevent emotional harm before it requires medical care.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Ten-Year Plan Aims to Transform Danish Mental Health Care
The Danish Dream: Best Psychologists in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Flere børn får psykologhjælp på grund af mistrivsel og mobning
