School District 72 Sharing Highlights From BC Adolescent Health Survey

School District 72 is sharing highlights from the BC Adolescent Health Survey, shedding light on various aspects of student life beyond academic achievements within the Campbell River School District.

Also known as the McCreary report, this comprehensive survey delves into the holistic well-being of students, encompassing factors such as demographics, home life, mental and physical health, substance use, relationships, and more.

The survey, which asks somewhat different questions each year, provides data on various facets of student life in the community.

Among the key findings: stable housing was reported by 77% of students. 74% of students felt monitored in their free time by their parents, yet only 40% felt the same level of oversight regarding their online activities.

Superintendent Geoff Manning says mental health is an area of concern, with a quarter of students reporting mental health conditions, primarily anxiety disorders and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, a significant portion of students (69%) said they did not feel the need for mental health services, with barriers such as confidentiality concerns and the desire to handle issues independently cited as reasons for not seeking help.

Substance use also featured prominently in the survey results, with what Manning calls worrisome statistics regarding vaping, smoking, and alcohol consumption among students.

When asked about safety, violence, harassment, and abuse, during the past 12 months 43% of students had experienced verbal sexual harassment and 30% had experienced physical sexual harassment.

Students said that they experienced discrimination at school as the highest location response at 29% and 43% of students said that they had been the victim of social exclusion and 36% said that they had been teased to the point of feeling extreme discomfort.

21% of students reported that they had been cyberbullied through texts and social media.

Comparisons between the 2018 and 2023 survey results which is the last time some of these exact same survey questions were administered revealed concerning trends, including declines in overall health ratings, mental health perceptions, and future aspirations for post-secondary education.

Moreover, there was a notable increase in students reporting responsibilities such as caregiving and a decrease in healthy lifestyle behaviors such as adequate sleep and eating breakfast.

To learn more, visit SD72.