A 2026 survey of secondary school guidance counsellors has found that anxiety continues to be the most prevalent mental health concern facing students, with emerging issues such as the impacts of social media and AI and a rise in self-harm becoming increasingly more concerning.
The survey was conducted by Walk in My Shoes, the national youth awareness-raising and education initiative of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
Findings revealed that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health difficulty noted by guidance counsellors among students (cited by 94% of respondents), followed by self-harming behaviours and suicidal ideation (cited by 61% of respondents), and low mood and depression (cited by 55% of respondents).
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 ADHD as a common issue contributing to mental health difficulties among young people.
This is the second year that Walk in My Shoes has conducted this survey among Irish guidance counsellors, the purpose of which is to identify the prevalence of different types of mental health concerns among young people as recognised by guidance counsellors; to explore current initiatives and strategies in place in schools to support students; and to inform additional resources and training for teachers and school staff to help support students’ mental health within the school environment.
In addition to existing mental health concerns, 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, with the most commonly cited trends noted as excessive or harmful social media or online use; increased misogynistic behaviours; increased withdrawal from social interactions and lack of social skills; and 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.
In line with these findings, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ annual survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland, due for full release next month, show 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.
Speaking about this year’s findings from the survey of Irish guidance counsellors, Carol McCormack, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, 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.”
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.
Speaking about the role of schools in supporting positive mental health, Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, 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 Walk in My Shoes 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 the upcoming Walk in My Shoes and Willow Grove Adolescent Unit webinar series for school staff, which was launched in late 2025 in response to findings from the first survey conducted.
Topics for this year’s Webinar Series are informed by 2026 survey findings and will include anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, self-esteem and body image, social media, grief and loss, and exam stress.
To register for upcoming webinars or to access Walk in My Shoes’ mental health and wellbeing resources, visit walkinmyshoes.ie