Ontario Youth Mental Health Levels Return to Pre-Pandemic Trends
A new survey suggests that the mental health of young people in Ontario is shifting. According to the latest data, 46 per cent of students in grades 7 to 12 reported experiencing a “moderate to serious level” of psychological distress in 2025.
This figure indicates that mental health struggles among Ontario youth have returned to levels similar to those seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, many experts expressed concern about the rising stress and anxiety levels among students due to school closures and social isolation.
While the return to pre-pandemic numbers is a notable development, the fact that nearly half of the student population continues to report significant distress remains a concern for parents, educators, and health professionals. The survey highlights that mental health challenges remain a persistent issue for many teenagers across the province.
Moving forward, health officials and school boards will likely use this data to determine how to best support students. Understanding these trends is an important step in providing the necessary resources to help young people manage their well-being as they navigate their middle and high school years.