The Department of Health published a bulletin detailing results from the latest iteration of the Young Persons Behaviour & Attitudes Survey, which examines attitudes and behaviour among students in school years eight through twelve.
Nine separate editions of this research project have been conducted since the year 2000, with the most recent data collected in 2025 following studies in 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and 2000.
Using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the average wellbeing score for pupils rose to 22.3 in 2025 from a figure of 21.1 recorded in 2022.
Girls recorded a lower mean wellbeing score than their male counterparts on this specific measurement tool.
The proportion of students exhibiting signs of loneliness dropped to 28% in 2025, down from 37% in the previous year and aligning with the 30% figure observed in 2019.
When asked directly about concerns regarding their mental health, 13% of respondents stated they definitely had such worries while an additional 34% reported feeling them to some extent.
Nearly half of those who expressed concerns indicated they sought assistance for these issues, a significant increase from the 35% rate seen in 2022.
Family members remain the primary source of support sought by pupils facing mental health challenges according to the survey data.
The most frequently cited barrier preventing help-seeking behaviour was the belief that individuals could manage their own difficulties without external intervention.
The research instrument is commissioned jointly by multiple government departments and covers a broad spectrum of topics beyond just mental health metrics.
This publication provides an overview of the specific modules addressing mental health and wellbeing within the wider survey framework.