TRENDS IN THE PERCEPTION OF SCHOOL CLIMATE: HBSC STUDY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC 1994–2022

Objective: This study aimed to examine long-term trends in Czech adolescents’ perceptions of school climate between 1994 and 2022, focusing on school satisfaction, perceived school pressure, and perceived social support from classmates and teachers. Methods: Data were drawn from eight cycles of the Czech Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, encompassing responses from 63,252 students aged 11, 13, and 15. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess temporal trends and associations between school climate indicators and demographic variables, including gender, age, and family affluence. Results: Findings revealed a pronounced decline in school satisfaction and a significant increase in perceived school pressure, with 2022 showing the lowest satisfaction and highest pressure levels. Perceived support from classmates and teachers declined, especially among students in older age groups and among girls. Socioeconomic disparities had a modest but consistent impact, with students from more affluent backgrounds reporting more favorable school experiences. Conclusions: Czech adolescents’ school climate perceptions have deteriorated over the past three decades, marked by rising demands and weakening support at school. These trends may contribute to reduced school engagement and heightened psychological distress, emphasizing the need for systemic interventions that ensure that high school expectations are coupled with relational and emotional support in schools.