HomeMy WebLinkAboutViolent, anti-social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - Globe & Mail - 07/25/2018 - Globe & Mail - 07/25/20187/25/2018 Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - The Globe and Mail
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Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among
Ontario students, survey finds
COLIN PERKEL
TORONTO
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Violence and other anti -social behaviour among Grade 7 to Grade 12 students in
Ontario has dropped significantly over the past two decades, according to one of the
longest -running mental-health studies of its type.
In addition, results from the latest Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey
being released Wednesday show a sharp overall drop in bullying, although
cyberbullying remains a consistent problem.
"This decline in risk behaviours over time parallels the declines seen in drug -using
behaviours ... suggesting a wider cultural shift to less externalizing or rebellious
behaviours among young people today compared with previous generations," the
researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health say. "Ongoing
monitoring will determine whether these trends reflect more enduring changes or
temporary fluctuations."
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7/25/2018 Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - The Globe and Mail
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One of the most dramatic changes uncovered by the survey relates to the
prescription of opioid pain relievers to students — an important finding given the
current addiction and overdose crisis that has killed tens of thousands of people
across North America in recent years. Over the past decade, medical use of
prescribed opioids among students has plunged to 18 per cent from 41 per cent, the
survey finds.
Among concerning trends, the survey indicates a growing number of the students —
particularly girls — have symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, the study
finds, slightly more than half of female students in Ontario show signs of moderate
to serious psychological distress — the first time that threshold has been crossed
since the survey started tracking the issue in 2013.
"Female students are more than twice as likely than males to report elevated stress,
poor mental health, seeking mental health counselling, thoughts of suicide, and
being prescribed medication for anxiety or depression," said Dr. Hayley Hamilton,
the survey co -lead.
While 19 per cent of students rate their mental health as fair or poor — sharply higher
since 2007 — more than half say theirs is very good or excellent.
A key question for further research is the impact of technology on students' well-
being, in particular in light of the surge in time spent on social media in recent years.
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7/25/2018 Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - The Globe and Mail
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In total, 20 per cent of students said they spent five or more hours on social media a
day — almost double the finding in 2013. One in 20 high school students reported
symptoms suggesting they had a serious problem with technology — such as a loss of
control, withdrawal symptoms, and issues with family and friends.
"While the survey can't tell us whether technology use causes mental health issues,
or vice versa, there is some evidence from other studies that there may be a link,"
said Dr. Robert Mann, also survey co -lead.
When it comes to bullying at school, about one in five students reported being
victims — down sharply from one in three since 2003. However, the same number
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7/25/2018 Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - The Globe and Mail
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hours of sleep. They are also more likely to be anti -social, gamble, or spend
excessive hours playing video games. Girls, however, are more likely to report
inferior mental and physical health, physical inactivity, and fears of harm at school.
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7/25/2018 Violent, anti -social behaviour down sharply among Ontario students, survey finds - The Globe and Mail
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