What is HBSC?

Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) is the longest running international study that focuses on the health behaviour and social context of young people. The study was initiated in 1982 by researchers from three countries and shortly afterwards the project was adopted by the World Health Organization as a WHO collaborative study. There are now 51 participating countries and regions from across Europe and North America. Data is collected every four years using a survey methodology. England has been represented in the past seven survey cycles (since 1997).

Research into young people’s health and health behaviours and the factors influencing them is essential for the development of effective health education and health promotion policy.