Mongolia’s young population provides a sharp contrast with other East Asian countries’ demographics. While countries like Japan, China, and South Korea are experiencing low birth rates and dwindling populations, according to the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, as of 2025, individuals aged between 0-19 make up 39.5 percent of the country’s 3.5 million population. 
But that doesn’t mean Mongolia is free from social challenges. One such issue is the high divorce rate, which is having a negative impact on young people’s mental health. 
The National Statistical Committee reported that the number of divorces in Mongolia rose from 3,316 to 4,776 between 2020 and 2023. While the divorce rate dropped during the pandemic years, between 2021 and 2022, it spiked beginning in 2022. These numbers highlight a growing concern for adolescents’ mental health, as young people navigate the emotional challenges of managing a divorce and living in separate homes. 
In 2022, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health analyzed data from the 2019 Mongolian Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS). One key finding in the report was that parental divorce ranked among the top three factors in developing behavioral and emotional disorders. The report rated divorce as 5.6 times more impactful than alcoholism and migration-related separation.
Understanding the impact of divorce on Mongolian youth is essential for preventing long-term harm and building a healthier society. Social and behavioral scientists have stressed that children’s emotional well-being is often severely neglected during parental separations. These social observations and studies apply to Mongolian families as well. 
In a 2021 interview, Dr. Batbaatar Altangerel, a lecturer at Ikh Zasag International University and a legal advocate, stated that judges often ask children over age seven, “Who do you want to live with?” A child may not be emotionally prepared for such a fraught question. 
Batbaatar also emphasized the lack of psychological support and professional involvement during the process of separation, which can lead to insecurity, behavioral issues, and lack of academic interests. These sorts of negligent practices can be addressed with more access to information on children’s mental health, especially as it relates to divorce and separation.  
Batbaatar also pointed out that many divorced Mongolian parents coach their children (particularly those aged 7-10) to speak negatively about the other parent. This manipulation technique can create a lasting deep self-blame, emotional distress, attachment issues, and mistrust.
To address this rising crisis, Mongolia’s civil courts and legal professionals must focus on children’s mental health and how divorce affects their lives – both individually and at the societal level. 
A well-known Mongolian psychologist, Renchmaa Nyamaadorj from the Family Support Center, discussed the negative effects of divorce in a 2020 during a TV debate. Renchmaa noted that teenagers affected by divorce often suffer from low social confidence and poor academic performance. These issues are compounded when children’s mental health is ignored during divorce process.
Although Mongolian law mandates the presence of child therapists in divorce cases, the country faces a severe shortage of trained professionals. Many children go through separation without any emotional support, instead having to rely solely on family members who lack any specialized training. 
Encouragingly, the concept of children’s mental health is receiving more attention in Mongolia. Governmental and non-governmental organizations are increasingly recognizing its importance. 
In 2024, the minister of health approved the Mental Health Action Plan for 2024-2027. The plan includes training for employees of children’s institutions in eight districts and 16 aimags, with 90 trainee teachers. The aim is to train school doctors, psychologists, teachers, and social workers in both general and preschool education systems to communicate effectively with children and parents and to provide mental health education.
In the last decade, Mongolia’s mental health sector and professionals have begun utilizing modern tools, digital platforms, websites, and mobile applications to raise awareness. For example, Blindcare serves as a national mental health information database. It includes details about mental health organizations, podcasts, and mobile apps that allow users to share feelings anonymously. 
These newer initiatives and proactiveness will help reduce social stigma on children’s mental health struggles, including those caused by divorce or alcoholism. As these issues have become apparent, additional resources have been allocated to child and family development services in districts, soums, and some remote locations. 
Moreover, given Mongolia’s young population, international organization have emphasized the importance of Mongolian children and their psychology. In an interview with The Diplomat’s Bolor Lkhaajav, UNICEF Mongolia representative Evariste Kouassi-Komlan emphasized the importance of addressing children’s psychological well-being. In UNICEF Mongolia’s New Country Program (2023–2027), adolescent mental health is a primary focus.
In Mongolia’s case, the combination of rising divorce rates and lack of mental health support can create life-long struggles for the young population. Mongolia cannot ignore the silent suffering of children caught in the middle of family breakdowns. By shifting attention to children’s psychological well-being, Mongolia can foster a healthier, more resilient future generation.
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Lkhagva-Erdene Dorjderem

Published Date:2025-08-12