The level of psychological distress among teenagers has surged to unprecedented heights, as highlighted in the 2025 report released by Tel-jeunes. The report reveals a notable 20% increase in the number of requests for assistance from both youths and parents, with an estimated total of 60,000 requests expected by year-end.
Tel-jeunes emphasizes that a staggering 50% of these requests are linked to mental health concerns, encompassing issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, isolation, and self-esteem struggles, a scale never witnessed by the organization before. This marks a significant uptick from the 40% rate recorded in 2024.
Annie Papageorgiou, the executive director of Tel-jeunes and its foundation, attributes this data partly to a heightened awareness of mental health issues and a growing willingness to seek help. However, she notes a parallel increase in distress levels among young individuals.
Papageorgiou points out that requests for assistance are becoming more intricate and urgent, with a notable rise in interventions related to assessing suicide risks. She stresses the importance of providing a listening ear, validation, reassurance, and a sense of safety to every young person reaching out for help.
The recent ban on cell phones in Quebec schools has added a new dimension of stress for many students, particularly at the beginning of the academic year, according to Papageorgiou. Transition periods, such as moving from high school to CEGEP, also pose challenges and trigger anxiety among adolescents.
The organization has observed a surge in school-related violence and a 30% increase in requests for assistance outside of school hours, predominantly stemming from instances of bullying encompassing verbal, psychological, and physical forms of aggression.
To cope with the escalating demand, Tel-jeunes has extended its text and chat support services until midnight, recognizing that 80% of requests are made through these channels. The organization aims to meet the evolving needs of young individuals while grappling with the mounting pressure and complexity of cases.
For immediate support, individuals can reach Tel-jeunes between 8 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week, via phone at 1-800-263-2266 or text message at 514-600-1002.
