The health behaviour of school children (HBSC) survey is a unique cross-national research study conducted in collaboration with the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). The HBSC study aims to gain new insight into and increased understanding of the health behaviours and lifestyle of young people and their context.

The 1997/1998 HBSC was carried out in 26 European countries, as well as the USA and Canada. In Northern Ireland, the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland administered the study.

The findings are gathered from responses from a representative sample of 6,589 pupils in Primary 7 to Year 12 throughout Northern Ireland. Topics covered by the summary report of the survey include smoking, alcohol and drug use, sexual behaviour and the young people's attitudes to and experiences of school. The report Minds matter: Exploring the mental wellbeing of young people in Northern Ireland, focuses specifically on the psychosocial aspects of the survey and provides further analysis of these factors and their impact on mental health and wellbeing.

For further information and to download a PDF of the health behaviour of school children survey 1997/98 click Here.