Montreal, November 29, 2024. – In 2022–2023, about half (51%) of high school students worked during the school year, with more girls (53%) working than boys (48%).
Since 2016–2017, there has been a drop in the proportion of Secondary 1 (46% to 38% in 2022–2023) and Secondary 2 (50% to 42% in 2022–2023) students working during the school year. In contrast, this figure increased among Secondary 4 (55% to 58% in 2022–2023) and Secondary 5 (63% to 69% in 2022–2023) students.
These are among the findings of the third edition of the Québec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS), the first of which were released this week by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
More hours worked
Employed students worked more hours in 2022–2023 than in 2016-2017.
| Less than 11 h per week | 11 to 15 h per week | 16 h or more per week | |
| 2016-2017 | 76% | 12% | 12% |
| 2022-2023 | 61% ↓ | 20% ↑ | 18% ↑ |
Among employed students, more boys than girls worked 16 hours or more per week (21% vs. 16%).
QHSHSS 2022–2023 data was collected before the Act respecting the regulation of work by children was passed in June 2023. Since its passage, this law has prohibited work performed by children under the age of 14. This law prohibits employers from having work performed by children under the age of 14, except in certain exceptional cases. In addition, since September 1, 2023, children subject to compulsory school attendance cannot work more than 17 hours a week, including a maximum of 10 hours from Monday to Friday.
Workplace injuries more widespread
Around 27% of employed students suffered a work-related injury, up from 19% in 2016–2017. A higher proportion of boys (29%) than girls (25%) suffered a work-related injury.
Among high school students who worked in the 2022–2023 school year, around three in ten (29%) were not given any safety instructions or workplace safety training.
About 14% of students who suffered a workplace injury consulted a health professional at a clinic or hospital, and 13% were absent from school for at least one day as a result.
School engagement
In 2022–2023, 17% of students had a high level of school engagement, compared to 22% of students in 2010–2011 and 2016–2017. More girls (20%) than boys (15%) had a high level of school engagement.
Nearly one in five students at risk of dropping out
In 2022–2023, 18% of high school students were at risk of dropping out of school, a figure similar to that of 2016–2017, but lower than the 20% recorded in 2010–2011. Among students with jobs, the likelihood of being at high risk of dropping out increased with the number of hours worked.
Proportion of employed students at risk of dropping out by number of hours worked per week:
| Less than 11 h | 15% |
| 11 to 15 h | 20% |
| 16 h or more | 31% |
For more information: Les jeunes du secondaire au travail et à l’école
Québec Health Survey of High School Students
The QHSHSS was conducted among 70,825 young people attending 483 French and English public and private schools across Québec. Now in its third edition, this survey was previously carried out in 2010–2011 and in 2016–2017. It covers a wide range of themes, including physical and mental health, social environment, and risk of dropping out.
Upcoming releases
December 3: Release of the full detailed report
Results by grade level, by certain socio-economic characteristics and by social and family environment characteristics.
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.