New analysis from Public Health Wales has used data from The School Health Research Network (SHRN) to identify factors associated with poorer mental health and well-being among young people in Wales.
Drawing on responses from more than 100,000 learners who took part in The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey, the report highlights several factors linked to poorer mental health outcomes, including poor sleep, bullying, negative body image, friendship difficulties and academic pressure.
The findings also reinforce the importance of supportive school environments and a whole-system approach to promoting mental health and well-being. Importantly, the report identifies a number of areas where early support and intervention could make a positive difference for young people.
The report demonstrates how SHRN data can be used beyond school-level reporting to provide valuable evidence for understanding wider trends in young people’s health and well-being across Wales