Canadian Youth Face Mental Health Crisis, Report Reveals Disturbing Trends

Children First Canada has unveiled its annual Raising Canada Report, revealing alarming trends regarding the mental health of Canadian youth. The report highlights a significant decline in children’s well-being, particularly in Saskatchewan, where mental health issues are prevalent. The findings indicate a pressing need for intervention as children face challenges such as bullying, poverty, and inadequate access to mental health resources.

According to Sara Austin, CEO of Children First Canada, the data is “disturbing.” It suggests that a substantial number of children in Saskatchewan are grappling with serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Austin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Parents are alarmed to see that our kids are struggling in such a significant way…when they reach out for help, that often that help simply isn’t available.”

The report highlights that 71 percent of children aged 12 to 17 across Canada reported being bullied in the past year. Despite this, many students feel unsupported in addressing the bullying they encounter. While the same proportion of teachers believes they are taking adequate measures against bullying, only 25 percent of students feel that they receive sufficient support in their school environments.

Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent among youth, with 1 in 5 children aged 12 to 17 reporting symptoms of mental disorders, primarily anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Additionally, the report sheds light on the concerning impact of racism, with 14 percent of students stating they have experienced race-based bullying, and 58 percent having witnessed it.

The socioeconomic landscape also plays a critical role in children’s mental health. As of the end of 2024, approximately 1.4 million children in Canada, or 13.4 percent, were living in poverty, marking the highest rate since 2017. Austin calls for enhanced government funding to tackle these issues, advocating for initiatives like the new national school food program to ensure children receive nutritious meals.

“To be well in school, we need funding directed towards mental health issues and to address the urgent needs around access to care,” Austin stated. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of youth mental health challenges, urging collaboration between provincial and federal governments and schools.

The findings from the report have broader implications, as Canada has dropped from 66th to 67th place on the global Kids Rights Index out of 194 countries. This shift underscores the declining support systems for children and highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their well-being.

As the report illustrates, the mental health crisis among Canadian youth demands immediate attention and action from all levels of government and society. The well-being of the next generation hinges on effective interventions and a commitment to creating supportive environments for children to thrive.