September 23, 2026 - 77 views
A new report has identified a range of factors linked to poorer mental health and well-being among young people in Wales, including poor sleep, bullying, negative body image, friendship problems and pressure from schoolwork.
The findings come from Public Health Wales and are based on data from the Schools Health Research Network's biannual survey, which has involved more than 100,000 young people across Wales.
The survey looks at a wide range of issues affecting young people's lives, including emotional and behavioural difficulties, sleep, experiences at school, health behaviours and overall well-being.
The report found a clear relationship between mental health difficulties and well-being. As mental health difficulties increased, well-being decreased, with the strongest emotional difficulties associated with the lowest levels of well-being.
Researchers also found links between poorer mental health and factors that could potentially be addressed through early support. These included sleep difficulties, academic pressure, being bullied, problems with friends and peers, negative feelings about body image, and lower levels of perceived support from teachers and friends.
Sleep difficulties showed the strongest association with both mental health difficulties and lower well-being.
Public Health Wales says the findings highlight the importance of looking beyond mental health difficulties alone and considering the wider circumstances affecting young people.
Emily van de Venter, Consultant in Health Improvement at Public Health Wales, said the report showed young people face a range of risk factors, but that addressing those factors early could help improve mental health and well-being.
She highlighted the importance of good sleep habits, including avoiding screens during the hour before going to bed, maintaining a regular bedtime routine and being physically active during the day.
The report also emphasises the role schools can play in supporting young people's mental health, alongside parents, carers and health services.
Public Health Wales says a whole-system approach is needed to make sure young people receive support at an early stage.
The research forms part of a series of three reports examining mental health among children and young people in Wales, including their experiences of accessing support and mental health crises.
