Montreal, November 27, 2024. – Between 2010–2011 and 2022–2023, there was a significant rise in professionally diagnosed mental health issues among Québec high school students. Some 6% of students have taken medication for symptoms of anxiety or depression (8% of girls; 3.8% of boys), and 16% have taken medication for symptoms of ADD/ADHD (12% of girls; 19% of boys).
These are among the findings of the third edition of the Québec Health Survey of High School Students, the first of which are being released this week by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
| Diagnosed mental disorder | 2010-2011 | 2016-2017 | 2022-2023 | |
| Anxiety disorder | 9% | 17% | 20% | |
| Depression | 4.9% | 6% | 7% | |
| Eating disorder | 1.8% | 2.2% | 5% | |
| Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD) | 13% | 23% | 25% |
These disorders affect girls more than boys, except ADD/ADHD, which affects boys in greater numbers.
Girls have more eco-anxiety than boys
Around 34% of high school students experience no eco-anxiety, 41% feel it occasionally, 17% feel it frequently, and 8% feel it always or almost always. The concept of eco-anxiety was first measured in this survey in 2022–2023.
Feelings of eco-anxiety are more prevalent in girls than in boys: 37% feel it frequently or almost always, compared with 14% of boys.
Self-esteem also on the decline
The proportion of students with a high level of self-esteem dropped from 20% in 2010–2011 to 12% in 2022–2023. This decline is significant among both girls (15% in 2010–2011 vs. 7% in 2022–2023) and boys (24% in 2010–2011 vs. 16% in 2022–2023).
Students spend several hours on a screen and could use more sleep
Nearly a quarter of high school students (25%) typically spend four or more hours a day on a screen for communication and leisure, both during the school week and on weekends. This proportion is higher among girls (28%) than boys (23%).
During the school week, almost half (48%) of high school students usually get less sleep than recommended, a rise over the proportion observed in 2016–2017 (34%). This sleep deficit is more prevalent among girls than boys (52% vs. 44%).
Students who spend four or more hours a day on a screen for communication and leisure are more likely than those with less screen time to sleep less than the recommended amount, especially during the school week (63% vs. 43%).
Fewer young people have had sex in their lifetime; contraceptive use appears stable
The proportion of students who have had consensual sex at least once in their lives fell from 37% in 2010–2011 to 33% in 2016–2017, then to 30% in 2022–2023.
In 2022–2023, around 61% of students 14 and over who had had consensual vaginal sex at least once used a condom during their last such encounter, and 38% used dual protection (condom plus a regular method of contraception). Conversely, the proportion of students who did not use a condom or regular contraception the last time they had consensual vaginal sex was 8%, comparable to 2016–2017.
Among girls 14 and over who have had consensual sex, around one in five (22%) used emergency oral contraception in the 12 months preceding the survey, a proportion similar to that of 2016–2017.
Less reckless or rebellious behaviour and less delinquent behaviour than in 2010–2011
Today, fewer young people behave recklessly or rebelliously. In 2022–2023, around 26% of high school students had engaged in reckless or rebellious behaviour at least once in the year preceding the survey (staying out all night without permission, being questioned by the police, running away from home). This proportion is similar to that of 2016–2017, but lower than that of 2010–2011 (36%).
Meanwhile, 37% of students had engaged in at least one type of delinquent behaviour (property crime, acts of violence against individuals, or membership in a gang engaged in illegal activity) in the 12 months preceding the survey, compared to 41% in 2010–2011 and 33% in 2016–2017.
More boys than girls have engaged in reckless or rebellious behaviour (27% vs. 25%) or delinquent behaviour (41% vs. 33%).
For more information: La santé mentale, le soutien social et les relations des jeunes du secondaire
Québec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS)
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
November 29: : High school students at work and in school
Number of hours worked, workplaces, workplace injuries, school engagement and school dropouts.
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.