10,000 Ontario students surveyed showed a significant increase in psychological distress, with over half experiencing high levels, and a rise in self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

A survey of 10,000 Ontario middle and high school students revealed a significant increase in psychological distress among youth, with over half reporting high levels of distress, double the number from a decade ago. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) research found that 19% of students engaged in self-harm and 18% had serious thoughts about suicide in the previous year. Despite 33% of students acknowledging the need for professional mental health support, 66% of them never sought the help. The survey also identified a decline in youth drug use and a steady decline in alcohol use over the past 25 years, with 17% of students reporting cannabis use in the past year. However, there is a concerning trend showing that female students are using cannabis, vaping, and drinking more than male students.

August 21, 2024
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