Testimonial telephone: Support for students and parents in Lower Saxony!

Testimonial telephone: Support for students and parents in Lower Saxony!

In times when students are under increasing pressure, Lower Saxony is sending a strong message for the mental health of the younger generation. To mark the issue of the certificates, a special “certificate telephone” will be activated on July 2, 2025, which can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This offer is aimed at students, parents and other people seeking advice who have questions or concerns about school time. RegionalToday reports that school psychology contacts are available to clarify individual concerns and offer support.

School psychology in Lower Saxony, organized by the regional state offices for schools and education, has developed into a contact point for many of these questions in recent years. Lower Saxony education portal highlights that advice covers a wide range, including learning and performance problems, social difficulties and conflict support. The aim is to find a solution approach in personal discussions or at round tables that takes into account the needs of everyone involved.

Increasing psychological stress

The challenges that children and young people face have increased in recent years. The lasting stress caused by the corona pandemic, climate change and social unrest are putting adolescents under stress and, according to studies, are leading to an increase in mental illness. To counteract this, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Culture has launched a prevention program that is intended to offer comprehensive support for affected students. The Ministry also promotes the training of teachers and school social workers to become “mental first aiders” in order to offer adequate support in stressful situations.

More than 650 people have already taken part in special training courses that deal with topics such as depression, anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts. The courses, which are held in collaboration with the LMU Munich, offer strategies to support young people in difficult life situations. The peer-to-peer approach is also discussed, which could enable older students to act as supporters for their younger classmates.

An open ear for everyone

The “testimony hotline” on July 2nd offers a low-threshold opportunity to talk to psychologists. Anyone interested can contact us by phone at 0541 77046-201 or by email at zeugnishotline@rlsb-lg.niedersachsen.de. More information can also be found on the education portal.

Even though it is often considered shameful to talk about mental health problems, it is important to emphasize that help is not only available throughout Lower Saxony, but also free of charge. It's time to break the taboo and talk openly about our concerns. So let’s all make sure we take advantage of the support that is available for our children and young people!