the well-being of high school students less good than that of middle school students

According to a study by Public Health France, only 51% of high school students and 59% of middle school students have a good level of mental well-being.

Feeling of loneliness, risk of depression, suicidal thoughts… The mental health of high school students is worse than that of middle school students, according to a study carried out in 2022 and published by Public Health France, Tuesday April 9.

The vast majority of the 9,337 middle and high school students surveyed perceive themselves to be in good health (86% and 84% respectively), according to the results of this survey carried out in middle and high schools. 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).

However, 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), measured by Public Health France according to “WHO Mental Well-being Index”.

Around a quarter of the students surveyed say they have experienced a feeling of loneliness over the last 12 months, and it 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 or irritability.

Suicidal thoughts for a quarter of high school students

According to the study, 14% of middle school students and 15% of high school students are at significant risk of depression. 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 affected than boys (31% versus 17%), and around 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.”

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 Public Health France.