The HBSC 2021 report presents nationwide data on the physical, mental, and social well-being of Dutch youth aged 11 to 16. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study highlights a significant decline in mental health, particularly among teenage girls, driven by increased school-related pressure, reduced social interaction, and isolation. While physical health indicators and risk behaviours such as substance use show varying long-term trends, digital screen time and problematic social media use have risen.
The findings emphasise the need for targeted public health policies, school-based mental health support, and measures to promote digital balance among adolescents.
Host project: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)
Methodology
The study forms part of the cross-national Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, conducted every four years in over 50 countries. Data collection took place in late 2021 using a nationally representative, stratified random sample of primary school students (Grade 8/Groep 8) and secondary school students across various tracks (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) aged 11 to 16 in the Netherlands. Standardised self-report questionnaires were completed online or on paper in classroom settings under teacher administration.
Country or region of researched population
Netherlands
Citation
Stevens, G., Boer, M., van Dorsselaer, S. A. F. M., de Looze, M., de Roos, S. A., Brons, H., van den Eijnden, R., Monshouwer, K., Huijnk, W., ter Bogt, T., & Vollebergh, W. (2022). HBSC 2021: Gezondheid en welzijn van jongeren in Nederland. Universiteit Utrecht & Trimbos-instituut. https://www.trimbos.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AF2022-HBSC-2021-Gezondheid-en-welzijn-van-jongeren-in-Nederland.pdf
Record created:
31 July 2026
The HBSC 2021 report presents nationwide data on the physical, mental, and social well-being of Dutch youth aged 11 to 16. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study highlights a significant decline in mental health, particularly among teenage girls, driven by increased school-related pressure, reduced social interaction, and isolation. While physical health indicators and risk behaviours such as substance use show varying long-term trends, digital screen time and problematic social media use have risen.
The findings emphasise the need for targeted public health policies, school-based mental health support, and measures to promote digital balance among adolescents.
Host project: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)
Methodology
The study forms part of the cross-national Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, conducted every four years in over 50 countries. Data collection took place in late 2021 using a nationally representative, stratified random sample of primary school students (Grade 8/Groep 8) and secondary school students across various tracks (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) aged 11 to 16 in the Netherlands. Standardised self-report questionnaires were completed online or on paper in classroom settings under teacher administration.
Country or region of researched population
Netherlands
Citation
Stevens, G., Boer, M., van Dorsselaer, S. A. F. M., de Looze, M., de Roos, S. A., Brons, H., van den Eijnden, R., Monshouwer, K., Huijnk, W., ter Bogt, T., & Vollebergh, W. (2022). HBSC 2021: Gezondheid en welzijn van jongeren in Nederland. Universiteit Utrecht & Trimbos-instituut. https://www.trimbos.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AF2022-HBSC-2021-Gezondheid-en-welzijn-van-jongeren-in-Nederland.pdf
Record created:
31 July 2026- mental health adolescence digital well-being well-being digital media
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