Nearly 3 out of 10 students between the ages of 13 and 17 say they feel sad all or most of the time. This finding, from the 2026 IBGE PeNSE survey, points to a pattern of recurring emotional distress that can interfere with learning, relationships, and the way adolescents see themselves in the world.<\/p>\n
This survey<\/b><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 <\/span>also sheds light on the underlying reasons for this generation’s sadness. Related indicators \u2014 including rising irritability, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, bullying, declining body satisfaction, and increased vape use \u2014 paint a more complete picture. Understanding the full scope of these results is essential for a thoughtful response, without alarmism or blame.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n IBGE PeNSE is the National School Health Survey Released in March 2026. This edition compiles data collected in 2024 on the health, habits, and social circumstances of more than 12.3 million young people aged 13 to 17 who are enrolled in public and private schools.<\/p>\n The survey’s large set of respondents and consistent methodology make it a reliable tool over time. It turns impressions \u2014 like the idea that “young people today are more anxious” \u2014 into concrete, comparative evidence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sadness is a normal part of life. But when it shows up frequently, it may signal a teenager\u2019s lack of emotional resources to manage stress, conflict, or everyday pressure.<\/p>\n In practice, sadness can look like:<\/p>\n Several of these signs appear on the<\/span> WHO<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span>‘s list of depression<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span> symptoms<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span> That said, every teenager expresses suffering differently.\u00a0 <\/span>Rather than focusing on isolated incidents, it is important to watch for persistent changes over time.<\/p>\n The 2026 IBGE PeNSE survey highlights a crucial indicator for analyzing the mental health of young people: 42.9% of the students report feeling irritable, on edge, or in a bad mood for no particular reason.<\/b><\/p>\n Often, these feelings are interpreted as rebellion or drama. In reality, they may be manifestations of anxiety, exhaustion, or sadness.<\/p>\n When these feelings persist, they can have broader effects:<\/p>\n Recognizing and understanding the underlying causes is usually more effective than simply reprimanding students for their behavior.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The survey also found that 18.5% of the students believe life is not worth living. <\/b>This is deeply concerning: it points to significant distress while underscoring the importance of a strong support network\u2014family, school, and health services.<\/p>\n In this context, a few actions may help:<\/p>\n If there is any immediate risk, it is essential to seek emergency medical care. In Brazil, CVV (188) provides 24\/7 listening support at 188.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another important finding: 26.1% of the students say they feel like no one cares about them.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n This perception may be linked to factors such as:<\/p>\n Emotional experience, therefore, is legitimate, regardless of whether it fully reflects the external reality. In this context, small actions can make a meaningful difference: creating space for open conversation, setting clear and respected boundaries, staying involved in school life, and ensuring the presence of a trusted adult.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to the IBGE PeNSE survey, approximately 100,000 students reported experiencing some form of self-inflicted injury in the 12 months prior to the survey<\/b>, highlighting the prevalence of this issue. The figure given above represents 4.7% of the students who reported accidents or injuries.<\/p>\n These findings are particularly concerning, as they point to a subgroup of young people experiencing more severe emotional distress, as reflected in the following indicators:<\/p>\n Taken together, these data suggest a pattern of vulnerability characterized by high levels of emotional distress together with exposure to peer violence.<\/p>\n The survey also highlights a link between bullying and body image<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span>. Satisfaction with one’s own body fell from 70.2% (2015) to 58% (2024).<\/b> In other words, more teenagers are viewing themselves with criticism, discomfort, or shame.<\/p>\n In this context, teasing and harassment are gaining traction\u2014especially on social media and in highly visible social settings. Body dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among girls: 36.1%, nearly double the rate observed among boys (18.2%).<\/b><\/p>\n To address this issue, several strategies can help:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Analysis of the data reveals a clear pattern: across 100% of the indicators, girls report higher rates than boys.<\/b><\/p>\n This suggests greater exposure to pressures related to appearance, social media, and gender inequality. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that take these differences into account\u2014without reinforcing stereotypes or stigma.<\/p>\n \n The use of electronic cigarettes<\/b> was another factor examined in the IBGE PeNSE survey. According to the data, prevalence increased<\/b> from 16.8% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2024. <\/b>This information is important because vaping is often linked both to attempts to cope with anxiety and stress and to a desire for social belonging. However, nicotine use and smoking-related behaviors can disrupt sleep<\/b><\/span><\/a>, increase irritability, and contribute to a cycle of dependence.<\/p>\n IBGE PeNSE: Summary Table\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nWhat is the IBGE PeNSE?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
What Does It Mean to Feel “Sad Most of the Time”?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Despair: Almost 1 in 5 Teenagers Feel Life Is not Worth Living<\/b><\/h2>\n
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“Nobody Cares About Me”: The Weight of Helplessness\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Self-Harm: A Pattern That Demands Attention<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Girls Show More Concerning Indicators<\/b><\/h2>\n
Vape Use Is Rising: Belonging and Risk\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n