Santé publique France is releasing today the mental health findings from the national survey of adolescents in middle and high schools on health and substance use (EnCLASS), conducted by the School of Advanced Studies in Public Health (EHESP) and the French Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT), in partnership with the French Ministry of Education. The data, collected in 2022 from 9,337 secondary school students, show mixed results. While the vast majority of students surveyed express satisfaction with their current lives and perceive themselves as being in good health, only half report a good level of mental well-being. A significant proportion of young people are at risk of depression and report feelings of loneliness, psychological and/or somatic complaints, or suicidal thoughts.

8 out of 10 teens feel they are in good health

The vast majority of middle and high school students perceive themselves as being in good health (86% of middle schoolers and 84% of high schoolers). One-third of the students surveyed reported being in excellent health.

Similarly, a large majority of students express a positive perception of their current lives, with a higher proportion among middle school students than high school students (82% and 77%, respectively).

It should be noted that, regardless of grade level, more boys than girls believe they are in good health and are satisfied with their current lives.

However, these results should be viewed with caution because, according to the ^WHO Mental Well-being Index1, only half of the students surveyed demonstrate a good level of mental well-being (59% among middle school students and 51% among high school students).

Feelings of loneliness, psychological and/or somatic complaints, risk of depression, suicidal thoughts… teens’ mental health declines during high school

About a quarter of the students surveyed have experienced a feeling of loneliness in the past 12 months; this feeling is more prevalent among high school students than among middle school students (27% vs. 21%).

More than half of the young people surveyed (51% of middle school students and 58% of high school students) report recurring psychological or somatic complaints (i.e., at least two complaints more than once a week over the past six months). The most frequently reported complaints are difficulty falling asleep, nervousness, irritability, and back pain.

In addition, 14% of middle school students and 15% of high school students are at high risk for depression.² Lack of energy, feeling discouraged, and having trouble concentrating are the three main depressive symptoms reported by adolescents.

Suicidal behaviors were also assessed, but only among high school students. One-quarter of them (24%) reported having had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. Girls are significantly more affected than boys (31% vs. 17%), regardless of grade level. About one in ten high school students reported having attempted suicide at some point in their lives.

In conclusion, the study shows that middle and high school students experienced a marked decline in their mental health between 2018 and 2022. This decline is more pronounced among young girls and widens the gender gap previously observed.

A remote support service for young people

Supported by Santé publique France and designed for young people aged 12 to 25, Fil Santé Jeunes offers a helpline (0 800 235 236) available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (anonymous and free service). Young people can also visit the website, which provides information, a forum, a chat feature, and referrals to support services (counseling centers, teen centers, community organizations, professionals, and healthcare providers). These services are provided by professionals (psychologists, educators, family counselors, and doctors).

A support tool available to everyone

3114, the national suicide prevention hotline, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This line is intended for people in distress, as well as their loved ones, professionals, and those grieving a suicide. Calls are free and confidential and are handled by healthcare professionals—psychologists or nurses—trained in suicide prevention. This service also includes a website that provides resources to better understand suicidal crises and advice on how to overcome them