The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study is an international research collaboration conducted with WHO/Europe. Every 4 years, HBSC surveys nationally representative samples of 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds in each participating country. The latest international report series draws on data from over 280 000 adolescents in 44 countries and regions, collected during the 2021/2022 survey round. Many findings are compared to previous HBSC surveys from 2013/2014 and 2017/2018, enabling trends to be tracked over time.

What does the data cover?

The HBSC survey collects information on physical and mental health, social relationships, risk behaviours and the environments where young people live and learn. Each volume in this series explores a different aspect of adolescent health, providing clear evidence to inform policies, programmes and services across the WHO European Region.

Overarching findings and key challenges

• Gender gaps are widening, with girls reporting poorer outcomes in mental health, body image, substance use and digital behaviours. These gaps become more pronounced with age.
• Socioeconomic differences are evident. Adolescents from less affluent families have consistently poorer health and well-being.
• Many health risks, including low physical activity, substance use and problematic digital habits, begin early in adolescence.
• Supportive families, schools and peer environments are critical, but many young people, especially girls, are experiencing less support than before.
• There is a clear need for early, targeted interventions and action to promote health equity and address these persistent and emerging challenges.