A new survey reveals anxiety, self-harm and depression are the most common mental health concerns seen among Irish secondary school students.
A 2026 survey of secondary school guidance counsellors, conducted by Walk in My Shoes (WIMS), has found that anxiety continues to be the most prevalent mental health concern facing students.
The survey also found other emerging issues, such as the impacts of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and a rise in self-harm becoming more concerning.
Identifying student mental health concerns
Findings revealed that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health difficulty noted among students (cited by 94% of respondents). This was followed by self-harming behaviours and suicidal ideation (61%), and low mood and depression (55%).
Other frequently cited difficulties included loneliness and social isolation (39%), eating disorders or disordered eating behaviour (39%), and bullying (30%).
Nearly one in two respondents to the survey (48%) also cited Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a common issue contributing to mental health difficulties among young people.
WIMS first ran this survey of Irish guidance counsellors in 2025.
The survey aims to:
- identify the prevalence of different types of mental health concerns among young people, as recognised by guidance counsellors
- explore current initiatives and strategies in place in schools to support students
- inform additional resources and training for teachers and school staff to help support students’ mental health within the school environment.
Finding new behavioural trends
In addition to existing mental health concerns, the 2026 survey findings also revealed a high prevalence of emerging behavioural trends among students. Some 66% of respondents said they have noticed new or emerging, and potentially harmful, behavioural trends over the past year.
The most commonly cited trends included:
- excessive or harmful social media or online use
- increased misogynistic behaviours
- increased withdrawal from social interactions and lack of social skills
- increased school avoidance.
The ever-growing impact of digital technologies is of particular concern among school staff, with 100% of survey respondents saying they believe technology such as social media and AI has affected student wellbeing.
All survey respondents also believe that these technologies have affected students’ learning. Approximately 50% of respondents noted a lack of focus and poor concentration among students as a result of social media and digital technologies.
These findings are in line with the annual survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), due for full release next month. That survey shows that eight in 10 adults link social media to mental health difficulties in children, with three in four parents worried about their child’s mental health.
Highlighting links between school and mental health
The survey also reinforced the importance of the school environment in fostering positive mental health among students.
Some 91% of respondents noted that they find the mental health programmes and initiatives currently used in their school somewhat or very effective. At the same time, respondents also called for more supports and training for staff; more time allocation for guidance counselling sessions; increased opportunities for one-to-one time with students; and more practical resources to support mental health within schools.
Equipping schools with resources
Speaking about this year’s findings from the survey of Irish guidance counsellors, Carol McCormack, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 at Willow Grove Adolescent Unit in SPMHS, said: “Consistent with last year’s findings, this year’s survey shows that anxiety continues to be the most prevalent issue facing young people. At the same time, guidance counsellors are seeing emerging and evolving challenges such as excessive social media use and the growing presence of AI in students’ everyday lives. Taken together, these findings provide a wider picture of the pressures and influences young people are navigating today and the implications for their mental health and wellbeing.”
“Schools are doing important work every day to support students, and it is essential that they are equipped with the necessary resources, knowledge and support to respond to these challenges."
"By working together across schools, families, communities and services, we can support young people to better navigate these challenges and protect their mental health and wellbeing.”
Recognising our shared responsibilities
Speaking about the role of schools in supporting positive mental health, Paul Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of SPMHS and clinical psychologist, said, “We know that schools play a vital role in fostering positive mental health and wellbeing among young people, and we see the commitment of school staff every day to supporting their students.”
“As the challenges facing young people continue to evolve, it is important that those working closest to them have the support they need to respond."
"As a mental health service provider, and through the work of our WIMS initiative, we are committed to playing our part in supporting schools by providing resources and tools to help promote positive mental health among students."
"Children and young people have a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health, and it is our shared responsibility to protect and enhance this right, ensuring that young people are given every opportunity to live a mentally healthy life.”
The publication of these findings comes ahead of our upcoming WIMS and Willow Grove Adolescent Unit webinar series for school staff, which was first launched in late 2025 in response to findings from the initial survey.
Topics for this year’s WIMS Webinar Series are informed by 2026 survey findings and include anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, self-esteem and body image, social media, grief and loss, and exam stress.
See more on our resources for schools
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Further notes and resources
- This survey was conducted in March 2026 at the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) National Conference. A total of 33 guidance counsellors responded to the survey.
- Supported by SPMHS, among others, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children has developed Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes which are designed to support 15- to 18-year-olds, and their parents and caregivers, in managing low-level anxiety. See more on these programmes here.
- The National Parents Council (NPC), in partnership with SPMHS, offers training programmes for parents, guardians and carers. There are two courses available: one can be run in-person in local schools, while the other can be accessed online by parents, carers or guardians at any time of their choosing. Learn more on the NPC training here.