It makes sometimes gloomy reading when the Public Health Agency of Sweden presents the results of its study in which close to 42,000 students aged 11, 13 and 15 answered questions about their health.

"In general, the survey shows that there has been a deterioration in schoolchildren's living conditions and lifestyle habits in several areas. This needs attention from decision-makers at all levels, and from school staff and others who work to promote the health and living conditions of children and young people," says Karin Tegmark Wisell, Director-General of the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

School stress increases

Fewer and fewer children and young people are enjoying school, as several surveys in a row have shown. Only nine per cent of 13-year-old girls say they like school very much. Among boys, the answer is 13 percent. These are the lowest figures since 1985 when the study was started.

At the same time, more and more people feel quite or very stressed by school work.

"Of course, it's not good that so many people feel stressed by schoolwork. It can also negatively affect their performance in school. So there are things to do here, says Maria Corell, investigator at the Public Health Agency of Sweden in Morgonstudion.

School students also report that they often feel depressed, are in a bad mood and have difficulty sleeping. A majority of all 15-year-old girls have problems with sleep, the survey shows. The survey also shows that student retention is decreasing and that bullying has increased.

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be turned on to play video

Learn more about browser support

Hear what signs you should watch out for that the child is being bullied. Photo: SVT