Quebec faces youth mental health crisis and school shortages

Quebec faces significant challenges as the new school year approaches, involving both student well-being and systemic educational pressures. The support organization Tel-jeunes has reported an alarming rise in psychological distress among youth, noting that the proportion of students with flourishing mental health has dropped from 47% in 2016 to 37% in the 2022-2023 period. According to a recent survey, only 16% of young people would seek help, often due to fears of judgment or being misunderstood.

Simultaneously, families are facing economic strain due to rising back-to-school costs. Estimates suggest expenses exceed $400 per primary school child and can surpass $1,000 for CEGEP students when including clothing, supplies, and technology. The education system is also grappling with a shortage of staff, with over 3,100 teaching positions remaining vacant according to Ministry of Education data.