Brantford, Ont. – Earlier this week, Planet Youth Haldimand-Norfolk presented findings from a survey of local grade 10 high school students regarding a variety of health and well-being topics to the GEPH board of health.
This first round of data provides an important baseline for understanding the experiences, strengths and challenges facing youth in Haldimand and Norfolk. Next steps include sharing the findings with local youth, parents, partners, community members, and working with local action teams to support evidence-informed efforts that strengthen protective factors and improve youth health and well-being.
As part of the survey, hundreds of local Grade 10 students were asked about their experiences at school, relationships with friends and family, activities, health and wellbeing, and substance use. Understanding the environments in which young people in the Haldimand-Norfolk region live, provides opportunities to strengthen the factors that support healthy development and reduce risks to wellbeing.
Research shows that protective factors such as strong family relationships, school connectedness, participation in meaningful activities, and a sense of safety and belonging can contribute to positive outcomes for youth.
Survey results showed strong protective factors across several areas of young people’s lives. Nine in 10 students (90 per cent) reported feeling safe at home, 88 per cent said they receive care and warmth from parents or caregivers, and 84% reported that their parents know where they are in the evenings. At school, 83 per cent reported having friends who care about them, and 76 per cent said they get along with their teachers. In the broader community, 79 per cent of students reported feeling safe, while 68 per cent reported a sense of belonging.
The survey also identified opportunities to further support youth wellbeing. Less than half (45 per cent) of respondents reported sleeping eight or more hours per night, while one-third (33 per cent) reported spending four or more hours per day on social media. Differences in self-reported mental health were also observed, with 30 per cent of female respondents rating their mental health as good or very good, compared with 62 per cent of male respondents.
The survey also found that 11 per cent of respondents report vaping daily, 17 per cent reported lifetime cannabis use, and 52 per cent reported having consumed alcohol at some point in their lives.
The survey findings will help schools, families, organizations, and community leaders inform and shape local planning and actions to create environments that support wellbeing, connection, and healthy development.
Planet Youth Haldimand-Norfolk will also be presenting the findings at a variety of upcoming community events.
The Planet Youth model is based on the Icelandic Prevention model which began in Iceland in the 1990s. The approach is now being implemented in communities all over the world. Planet Youth Haldimand-Norfolk is funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP).
In 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) awarded $704,886 over three years to support the rollout of the Icelandic Prevention Model, known as Planet Youth, in Haldimand and Norfolk counties.
For the survey findings report, to join a local action team, and to learn more visit www.planetyouthhaldimandnorfolk.ca.
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“Preventing youth substance use starts with understanding what young people are experiencing in their everyday lives. These early survey results, gathered through the Planet Youth model, are helping us build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing youth in Haldimand-Norfolk. Grand Erie Public Health looks forward to working with community partners to strengthen supports, create healthy opportunities, and help young people thrive in the years ahead.”
- Jackie Wood, Manager of Planning, Evaluation, & Quality, Grand Erie Public Health
Grand Erie Public Health
As one of Ontario’s public health units, we are determined defenders of community health. Our public health focus on prevention, protection, and promotion contributes to healthier outcomes across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk.
We are unshakeable in our commitment to being a trusted and authentic source of public health knowledge, guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards. We safeguard the well-being of everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from.