Mental health challenges in children and teens are common, and many go unnoticed or untreated.

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- About 1 in 5 children and youth in Canada has a mental health disorder at any given time, and fewer than a third of them get specialist care. (Ontario Child Health Study, 2014)

- 46% of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress in 2025. (CAMH, Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, 2025)

- 1 in 3 Ontario students felt they needed professional mental health support in the past year but didn't seek it. (CAMH, Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, 2023)

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Children often spend more time with teachers and school staff than with anyone outside their family. That makes school one of the places where early signs are most often noticed.

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SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

- Feeling anxious or worried

- Feeling sad or unhappy most of the time

- Trouble sleeping

- Changes in weight or appetite

- Becoming quieter or more withdrawn

- Starting to use drugs or alcohol

- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

- Stopping basic self-care

- Missing a lot of school, or dropping out

- Picking at their skin, nails or other parts of their body

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IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD

- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

- For a suicide or mental health crisis, call or text 988, any time.

- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868, any time.

- Talk to the school counsellor or your family doctor.

- Find services in your province in our free directory.

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