New research shows migrant girls among hardest hit as teen mental health declines across Canada

Research published in the Journal of School Health reveals that Canadian migrant girls may be among the most vulnerable groups experiencing a decline in mental health, according to a recent national study. Led by Dr. Daniel Ji from the University of Regina, the study analyzed data from over 76,000 Canadian students aged 11 to 15 who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey from 2014, 2018, and 2022.

The findings indicate that, while mental health worsened for all youth during this period, migrant girls faced the most significant challenges. The proportion of migrant girls reporting high life satisfaction fell from 25.7% in 2014 to 19.9% in 2022, while those reporting good or excellent health dropped from 81.6% to 68.2%. Conversely, feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased from 32.9% to 44% among migrant girls.

Reports of multiple stress-related health complaints, including headaches, stomachaches, and sleep difficulties, rose by 30% among this group. Migrant boys also reported declining mental health, though to a lesser extent than girls. The study suggests that COVID-19 and anti-Asian sentiments in Canada could contribute to these trends.

However, migrant adolescents still exhibited some strengths, such as consistently reporting fewer recurring health complaints than their Canadian-born peers. The researchers emphasize the importance of culturally safe, school-based mental health services to support newcomer youth and address the challenges they face.