New research from Our Kids Network sheds light on the mental health of youth across Halton.
The ‘2023 Insights into Youth Mental Health and Well-Being’ data collection initiative surveyed grade 7 and grade 10 students, revealing that many young people in Halton benefit from protective factors such as strong peer relationships and supportive parents.
However, the report also highlights ongoing mental health struggles, particularly among female students and those with other gender identities, with grade 10 students experiencing more difficulties than those in grade 7.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- A quarter of grade 10 students and just under two-fifths of grade 7 students rate their mental health as very good or excellent, with 48 per cent and 63 per cent of the students, respectively, having positive emotional well-being.
- The majority of students report having positive peer support and positive parental involvement at home, with 9 out of 10 students in both grades indicating these supportive relationships.
- Approximately three-quarters of students in both grades feel safe at school. Additionally, 9 out of 10 students feel safe travelling to and from school, and 9 out of 10 feel safe in their neighbourhood or community.
- For both grades, verbal bullying is more common than physical bullying.
- Most grade 7 (73 per cent) and grade 10 (83 per cent) students exceed recommended screen time, while 65 per cent of grade 7 and 71 per cent of grade 10 students get less sleep than recommended by the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.
- Nineteen percent of grade 10 students report using alcohol in the past month. Nearly 1 in 10 report using cannabis, and a similar proportion report using vaping products. Grade 7 students were not asked about their substance use in the past month.
- In many of the report's indicators, girl students in Halton generally face more challenges than boys. Individuals identifying with another gender often experience outcomes similar to or worse than either boys or girls.
The survey was conducted in the spring of 2023, with participation from 4,425 grade 7 students and 2,869 grade 10 students from the Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board.
Our Kids Network will share the survey results and engage in consultations with partners, community organizations and youth to better understand the data and translate it into actionable steps.