My health, our future

Healthwatch Suffolk undertook a ninth round of research on the physical and mental health of children and young people.  This report is based on a survey of 9,717 children and young people between January and July 2025.

Who took part

Respondents were mainly in Years 7–13, with over a third in Years 7 or 8. Most students identified as White British (74%), and 39% reported at least one additional support need, including ADHD, autism, sensory or physical disabilities, or caring responsibilities. 21% were identified as having SEND, and 13% identified as LGBT*Q+.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing was measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS).
The average wellbeing score was 22.8, the same as in 2024 and similar to pre‑pandemic levels. Wellbeing remained lowest among:

• Students describing their gender in another way
• LGBT*Q+ students
• Students with additional support needs, especially refugee and asylum-seeking students
• Students with a sensory disability or a diagnosed mental health condition
• Pakistani, Irish, and Gypsy/Traveller students

Young people who reported sleeping 8–10 hours per night had significantly higher wellbeing than those who did not.

Personal wellbeing (ONS measures)

Compared to national ONS data for young adults:

• 21% reported low life satisfaction (vs 3% nationally).
• 21% reported a low sense of things being worthwhile (vs 4% nationally).
• 27% had low happiness (vs 4% nationally).
• 34% had high anxiety (vs 25% nationally).

Overall, Suffolk students reported lower wellbeing and higher anxiety than national peers.

Sleep

Only 46% of students regularly achieved the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep.
Sleep decreased with age and was poorest among:

• Students describing their gender in another way
• LGBT*Q+ young people
• Students with SEND, ADHD, sensory disabilities, or refugee status

Poor sleep negatively affected energy, mood, concentration, relationships, and school attendance.

Feeling safe

Most students felt safe during the day, but 20% did not feel safe at night.
Groups least likely to feel safe at night included:

• Students describing their gender in another way (40%)
• LGBT*Q+ young people
• Students with additional support needs
• Refugee or asylum-seeking students (70%)

Bullying was the most common reason for feeling unsafe in the community (31%), followed by knife crime (22%) and gang activity (21%).

Nicotine use

Just over 1 in 10 students had vaped in the past month.
Nicotine use:

• Increased sharply by year group
• Was highest among LGBT*Q+ students and those describing their gender another way
• Was often used to relax, manage stress, or cope with difficult emotions
• Was commonly perceived as harmless by young people

Social media use

Use was high:
46% used social media for more than four hours on a typical school day.
Wellbeing declined as social-media use increased.
Heavy use was most common among:

• Students who described their gender in another way
• LGBT*Q+ young people
• Students with SEND or other support needs
• Refugee and asylum-seeking students

Although many reported positive experiences, such as learning and finding new hobbies, 55% reported negative impacts, including lost sleep, unwanted attention, and harmful content.

Sexual harassment

Among students in Year 9 and above, 43% had witnessed sexual harassment or violence in school or college.
The most common behaviours observed were:

• Sexual name-calling
• Sexualised comments
• Sharing sexual images/videos

Witnessing was more common among:

• Students who described their gender another way
• Female students
• LGBT*Q+ students
• Students with SEND
• Students in Years 9–11

Students said they would be more likely to report incidents if they understood the reporting process and felt they would be taken seriously.

Future aspirations

Most students (88%) felt they had at least some control over their future, but young people who described their gender another way, LGBT*Q+ students, and students with SEND were more likely to feel little or no control.
Top future concerns included:

• Finding a stable job
• Gaining qualifications
• Housing affordability
• Financial pressures

Students felt better prepared for their future when schools provided life-skills training, money-management advice, and work experience opportunities.

Careers in the NHS and social care

Around 26% of Year 9+ students were interested in NHS careers, with interest highest among students from ethnic minority backgrounds and female students.
Interest in social care careers showed a similar pattern.

Climate change

Nearly half of students (46%) believed climate change would significantly affect their future, though most felt only “a little worried.”
Concern was highest among:

• Students describing their gender another way
• LGBT*Q+ students
• Refugee and asylum-seeking students

Insights into specific groups

The report includes detailed findings for:

• Young carers (who had lower wellbeing, poorer sleep, and less sense of control)
• Trans students (who reported very low wellbeing and high exposure to unsafe environments)
• Students with SEND (who consistently experienced poorer wellbeing and greater risks)
• Refugee/asylum-seeking students (who had the lowest wellbeing of all groups)
• Students eligible for free school meals (who had lower wellbeing and felt less safe)