In partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Education, we carried out the 2024 Global School-Based Student Health Survey. With support from the US CDC and the World Health Organization, this nationwide study aimed to understand the realities of health and behavior among Filipino high school students aged 13 to 15.

We surveyed 8,618 students from Grades 7 to 10 across public and private schools. The numbers gave us a clearer picture of what students are dealing with, what they eat, how they feel, how safe they are, and the choices they make that impact their future.

Nutrition and Hunger: A Double Burden

The data confirmed what many schools have quietly observed. Students face both undernutrition and overnutrition. About 11 percent were underweight, 17 percent overweight, and five percent obese. Boys were more affected than girls. Fourteen percent said they often went hungry. At the same time, sugar-sweetened beverages remained a daily part of student diets, influenced by the constant exposure to advertising.

Health and Hygiene: Room for Improvement

Most students reported brushing their teeth and washing their hands regularly. But six percent admitted they rarely washed their hands before meals. Over one in five missed school due to dental issues, an often overlooked barrier to learning. These may seem like small lapses, but they reflect deeper gaps in daily health routines.

Violence and Bullying: Still Too Common

Nearly 69 percent of students said they had experienced a serious injury in the past year. Around 31 percent reported being bullied, and 20 percent said the bullying happened online. These are not isolated incidents. They point to a school environment that still needs stronger protection measures, both on campus and in digital spaces.

Mental Health: Quiet Struggles

Mental health emerged as one of the most urgent concerns. Thirty-one percent of students felt persistently lonely. Twenty-four percent could not sleep due to worry. One in five seriously considered suicide, and among those who tried, only a quarter received any help. Girls reported higher levels of emotional distress compared to boys. These numbers are more than statistics. They are signals that students are not just academically pressured but emotionally stretched.

Substance Use: Early Exposure

About 19 percent of students said they currently drank alcohol, most of them starting before age 14. Among those who had used drugs, almost all first tried before turning 14. Inhalants were the most reported. These early starts highlight the urgent need for prevention and early intervention before risky behaviors take root.

Sexual Health: Gaps in Knowledge and Protection

Seventeen percent of students reported having had sex, with most starting before age 14. Fewer than half used a condom or contraceptive during their last encounter. Awareness about HIV was limited. These figures suggest that students are making important decisions without enough guidance or accurate information.

Physical Activity and Screen Time: A Growing Divide

Only 10 percent met the recommended daily level of physical activity. Nearly half spent three or more hours a day sitting or lying down outside school hours. That much sedentary time, combined with poor nutrition and limited physical activity, raises long-term health risks that often go unnoticed in youth.

Parental Involvement: A Missed Protective Layer

Less than 30 percent of students said their parents knew how they spent their free time. This lack of monitoring and connection weakens an important line of protection. Young people are more likely to make healthy choices when adults around them are actively involved.

What Needs to Be Done

The findings point to a clear need for stronger school-based health programs. This includes better nutrition, mental health support, and adolescent-friendly education on sexual and reproductive health. Sugary drink marketing should be restricted, and oral health education must be prioritized. At home, parents and guardians need support in staying connected with their children’s daily lives. And across communities, youth-focused interventions must be sustained, not just piloted.

Why It Matters

This survey gives us the evidence to do better. These are not just numbers. They are the lived realities of students trying to grow up healthy and hopeful in a fast-changing world. Policymakers, educators, and parents now have the data they need to shape responses that work—at home, in school, and in the wider community.

If you would like a full copy of the report, feel free to reach out. We are ready to share what we found and help turn this knowledge into action.