A recent survey shows a clear link between a student’s financial background and their overall well being. Students from lower income families in New Brunswick report worse mental and physical health compared to the provincial average.

The New Brunswick Health Council released its 2025 student survey results. The data highlights significant inequalities. Students facing financial barriers experience higher levels of bullying, loneliness and vaping. They also report lower life satisfaction, less physical activity and fewer daily breakfasts.

The Numbers Tell a Clear Story

The statistics reveal a stark contrast between income brackets. One fifth of all students feel lonely most or all of the time. This rate drops to 15 percent for students from higher income families.

Bullying remains a major issue across the board. However, the survey shows 54 percent of lower income students experienced bullying in the last two months. This compares to 43 percent of their higher income peers. Furthermore, less than one quarter of all surveyed students eat breakfast every day.

Leaders Demand Better Support Systems

Stéphane Robichaud is the CEO of the New Brunswick Health Council. He says the report validates the need to look closely at socioeconomic status. He points to rural transportation needs and the high cost of sports like hockey as potential barriers.

“It tells us it is worth considering, could there be any barriers caused by those socioeconomic realities that should be considered?” Robichaud said.

Kelly Lamrock serves as the child and youth advocate for the province. He believes the report exposes a massive failure in current support systems.

“Our public programs right now are utterly incompetent at recognizing young children in trouble and getting them help,” Lamrock said. “Almost every department has to be held accountable for getting interventions closer to age six and seven, and stop putting off reactions until kids are in serious trouble.”

New Brunswick Health Minister John Dornan agrees that broader changes are necessary. He notes that while good health care is vital, education and employment remain key goals for the government.

Robichaud hopes this new data sparks local initiatives. He wants to see communities use these measurements to improve the daily lives of youth across the province. You can read the full details in the original CTV News Atlantic report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the New Brunswick Health Council survey find?

The survey found that students from lower income backgrounds report worse mental and physical health. They experience higher rates of bullying and loneliness compared to students from higher income families.

How many students experience bullying?

The data shows 54 percent of lower income students faced bullying in the past two months. Only 43 percent of higher income students reported the same experience.

What solutions are leaders proposing?

Child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock calls for earlier interventions for children around age six or seven. Health Minister John Dornan emphasizes the need for better education and employment opportunities to support overall health.