By saying ‘YES’ to participate in the 2014 SMHS, participants helped make a difference in the lives of children and youth in Ontario. The results of the SMHS will be used to develop programs and services to improve the mental health of children and youth across the province.
Who participated?
Schools in neighbourhoods participating in the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study (OCHS) were eligible to be selected for the 2014 SMHS.
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Statistics Canada invited 10,530 children and youth aged 4-17 and their families from 240 neighbourhoods across Ontario to participate in the 2014 OCHS. Schools invited to participate in the SMHS were located in the same neighbourhoods as these children, youth and their families. A total of 248 schools, over 3,300 teachers, and more than 31,000 students participated!
What was involved in participating?
Schools were invited to take part in the 2014 SMHS , and those agreeing to take part were sent consent forms for children to take home. Consent forms were returned before survey day, when classrooms in the school would do the surveys.
What questions were asked?
Educators and students in the 2014 SMHS were asked questions about lots of different topics, including questions on the school environment, peer interactions and student and teacher interactions.
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Students were asked about their feelings and behaviors, what they think about their school, and whether or not they feel their school supports them and their peers. Teachers were asked about their experiences with students who have emotional and behavioral issues and how they feel their school supports students’ mental health. Principals were asked about their experiences working with students who have emotional and behavioral issues and how they feel their school supports students’ mental health.