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Feeling of loneliness, risk of depression, suicidal thoughts… adolescent mental health is worse among high school students than among middle school students, according to a study published Tuesday by the French Public Health agency.
The vast majority of middle and high school students perceive themselves to be in good health (86% and 84% respectively), according to the results of this survey conducted in middle and high schools among adolescents on health and substances (EnCLASS).
8 out of 10 teenagers feel like they are in good health
Conducted by the School of Advanced Studies in Public Health (EHESP) and the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT), in partnership with National Education, the study collected data from 9,337 secondary school students. in 2022.
The results are “contrasting”, according to Public Health France. In fact, a large majority of young people in school are satisfied with their current life, with a higher proportion among middle school students than among high school students (82% and 77% respectively).
But these results must be qualified because only half of the students surveyed present a good level of mental well-being (59% among middle school students and 51% among high school students), according to the criteria used by the World Health Organization (WHO). ).
Teenagers’ mental health deteriorates during secondary school
About a quarter of students surveyed experienced feelings of loneliness in the past 12 months; and this feeling is more present among high school students than among middle school students (27% versus 21%).
More than half of the young people surveyed (51% of middle school students and 58% of high school students) regularly complain of difficulty falling asleep, nervousness, irritability or even back pain…
According to the study, 14% of middle school students and 15% of high school students are at significant risk of depression, characterized by lacking energy, feeling discouraged and having difficulty thinking.
Suicidal behavior was also measured, but only among high school students. A quarter of them (24%) said they had had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. Girls are significantly more concerned than boys (31% versus 17%). About one in ten high school students reported having attempted suicide in their lifetime.
“Studies converge: the mental health of adolescents has deteriorated, in France and internationally“, concludes Dr Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France in a press release.
A helpline (0 800 235 236) dedicated to young people is accessible 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (anonymous and free service and call). 3114, the national suicide prevention number, is also accessible 24/7, recalls the public health agency.