The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has released its latest Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, revealing that as of 2025, 46 per cent of youth in grades 7 to 12 reported experiencing a moderate to serious level of psychological distress. This statistic brings youth mental health challenges back to levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting ongoing concerns about the mental wellbeing of young people in Ontario. While the survey indicates a decrease in distress levels compared to peak pandemic times, it points to a continued prevalence of mental health issues within this demographic.
In earlier reports, mental health challenges significantly surged due to the various pressures associated with the pandemic, including social isolation and academic stress. The current findings suggest that many youth are still coping with the aftereffects of that period, even as some improvements have been noted since its peak. Experts emphasize the importance of supportive measures for youth mental health, considering that a substantial portion of young people still experience significant distress.
As Ontario moves forward, there is a pressing need for continued attention to youth mental health services and interventions to address these ongoing challenges and to support young individuals as they navigate their mental health journeys.
Analyzed Canadian Outlets (3)
2 headlines · wire copies grouped