Sweden

In Sweden, safeguarding systems for children and adults are highly developed and rooted in a strong rights-based and welfare-oriented approach. The Social Services Act and the Parental Code ensure that children’s rights to protection, care, and development are upheld, with municipalities responsible for early intervention and safeguarding services through dedicated child welfare units. Adults, including those facing domestic violence, mental illness, or age-related vulnerability, are protected by a wide array of legislation, including the Social Services Act and The Act on Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments. Swedish students are typically well-informed about their rights and accustomed to clear, transparent, and professionally managed safeguarding systems. However, due to Sweden’s cultural emphasis on personal autonomy, privacy, and equality, students may prefer to handle personal matters independently and might not seek help unless they perceive the issue as serious or urgent.

Mental health in Sweden is widely recognised as a core component of wellbeing and is supported by a progressive, publicly funded healthcare system. Young people, including university students, are increasingly open about mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, and burnout. Services such as counselling, therapy, and psychiatric support are available, but access can be affected by long waiting times and regional disparities. While stigma around mental health has decreased significantly, particularly in academic and urban settings, some individuals may still feel hesitant to seek support for fear of being perceived as unable to cope. Swedish students in the UK are likely to have positive attitudes toward mental health services but may expect them to be autonomous, non-intrusive, and clearly structured. UK university professionals can best support Swedish students by providing low-barrier access to discreet, student-led mental health services and framing them in terms of self-care, academic performance, and personal development. Respect for confidentiality, non-hierarchical support models, and inclusive communication will align well with Swedish cultural expectations.