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 five 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.

HBSC Reports

Young people’s health and wellbeing, health behaviours and their social context

The adolescent years are a critical transitional period for young people with rapid physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, as well as increased autonomy. Their developing health-related behaviours and decision-making may influence their current and future health. This period provides a vital opportunity to support young people’s health and development and their future health and well-being in adulthood…

HBSC England National Report 2018

This report presents data from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in England. HBSC is an international study conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The study captures data on young people’s health, health behaviours and social environment. In 2018, 3398 young people in England took part in the study. This report presents prevalence statistics and trends data spanning 2002-2018….

HBSC England National Report 2014

This report presents the findings for England from the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative study. It provides an up to date view of adolescent health and well-being in England, and provides an overview of trends in these areas spanning more than a decade (2002-2014)…

Intentional self-harm in adolescence: An analysis of data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey for England, 2014

This report summarises data on self-harm informed by an analysis of data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey for England, 2014. The data draws on responses from 5,335 students aged 11-15 years who completed the HBSC survey in England.

Cyberbullying: An analysis of data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey for England, 2014

This report summaries data on cyberbullying informed by an analysis of data from the
Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study for England, 2014. The data draws on responses from 5,335 students aged 11-15 years who completed the HBSC survey in England.

Growing up unequal: Gender and socioeconomic differences in young people’s health and well-being

Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), a WHO collaborative cross-national study, has provided information about the health, well-being, social environment and health behaviour of 11, 13 and 15 year old boys and girls for over 30 years. This latest international report from the study presents findings from the 2014 survey, which collected data from almost 220 000 young people in 42 countries in Europe and North America…