The FRESC survey is carried out regularly at schools in Barcelona to gauge behaviour and attitudes linked to the health of students between the ages of 13 and 19. The survey was conducted among 3,290 students in their second or fourth year of secondary school or their second year of baccalaureate studies or higher education cycles (CFGM), between February and May 2021.

According to the survey, even though some indicators are worse compared to 2016, the city’s teenage population is generally in good overall health. Positive aspects show that 75% of teenagers state they have good or very good relationships with their families and schoolmates. However, there are clear socio-economic and gender inequalities.

A notable result of the survey points to increased discontent among teenager in terms of their bodily image, greater among girls (63%) than among boys (55%). Also worth noting is that physical appearances are the main cause of discrimination in both sexes. Some 53% of girls and 39% of boys have felt discriminated against for their physical appearance. Another increase compared to 2016 is with gender discrimination, the main cause of discrimination against girls. Specifically, four out of ten girls surveyed have felt discriminated against for being women, compared to one in ten among boys.

The survey also points to worse mental health among teenagers, particularly in the most underprivileged neighbourhoods, as four out of ten girls stated they suffer emotional distress. The results also show that 16% of girls affirm they often feel lonely. This feeling of loneliness is almost double that of boys and is greater in the most underprivileged neighbourhoods.

Environment, consumption of substances and addiction to gambling

This edition of the survey was the first time the study asked about aspects relating to gambling. According to the results, gambling is more common among boys and increases by age. Some 12% of boys state they have gambled money in the last year, with 6% affirming they need to lie to keep playing or to gamble with more money.

In terms of addictive substances, data show that the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis continue to drop, particularly among boys, even though it remains higher among girls. Regarding alcohol, intensive consumption is lower, particularly among students between the ages of 17 and 19.

As for the environment, the survey shows that 73% of teenagers are concerned about climate change and consider that their actions can help combat it. This climate awareness is higher among girls and among students in neighbourhoods which are better off.