Student mental health rebounds from pandemic lows, but long-term trends remain troubling
Findings from the 2025 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) released by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) suggest that Ontario middle and high school students have rebounded from the heightened mental health challenges seen during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2025 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reveals that Ontario middle and high school students have shown significant improvements in mental health since the pandemic began in 2020. However, concerning trends persist, with nearly half of students experiencing moderate-to-serious psychological distress, a figure that has more than doubled over the past decade.
While concerns remain elevated, overall drug use has declined, with alcohol, tobacco, and several other substances at historic lows. Emerging issues include nicotine pouch use, heightened video gaming and social media use, and online gambling. The data, collected from 11,108 grade 7–12 students across 42 school boards, highlights the need for continued surveillance, research, and targeted prevention initiatives to ensure the continued decline in drug use.
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