How can we help children overcome stress? Marianna Tkalich, CEO of the Rating Lab research laboratory and Doctor of Psychology, shares simple but important advice for parents in her column for NV. It is based on the results of the study ‘Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being,’ for which Rating Group/Rating Lab surveyed more than 1,500 teenagers aged 10-18 and their parents in October 2025 using the unique Family 360° family research technology.

Below are several points from the author's article.

The importance of caring for mental health during wartime

"In conditions of prolonged war, social instability and constant challenges, the issue of mental health is no longer secondary. People are increasingly thinking not only about physical survival, but also about psychological resilience [...] But in order to effectively help ourselves, our children, our loved ones and our community, we need facts from scientific research, not intuition."

About the increase in stress among adolescents

"The proportion of children (aged 10-18) with high or elevated stress levels increased from 27% (in 2024) to 37% (in 2025). The figures rose particularly among girls aged 10-13. Younger teenagers are a very vulnerable group for many reasons: they are entering puberty, undergoing hormonal changes and psychological maturation, and expanding their social opportunities. At the same time, they are still children who need protection, care, and responsible adults around them."

On the importance of communication

"77% of children who regularly talk to their parents about their feelings have higher stress resistance. The stress level in such children is half that of those who rarely communicate."

About gadgets, AI and coping with stress

"Gadgets are the least useful way to cope with stress. An alarming fact: one in ten teenagers asks Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advice about their condition. AI cannot replace human warmth; control the time and content you spend online."

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About Family 360° technology

It is not worth making conclusions about teenagers without asking their opinion. That is why the Rating Group team launched Family 360° technology for family surveys, which focuses on the child who is being surveyed, as well as their parents, family members and, in some cases, teachers, doctors, psychologists, etc. Comparing the answers of children and their parents allows us to understand the relationships and changes within the family. We have previously used this approach successfully with our partners at UNICEF, KSE, and Ty Yak? when researching mine awareness, mental health, education, and career guidance.

About the study

We first researched the topic of mental health in the parent-child context in October 2024. This year, we decided to continue, expanding the topic and using longitudinal research techniques to better understand the dynamics. In October 2025, this survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents.

Authors of the research idea: Svitlana Roiz, child and family psychologist, mother of two; Marianna Tkalych, CEO of Rating Lab, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, mother of Masha (17 years old); and Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group, mother of Solomiia (8 months old).