Charity the Isle of Wight Youth Trust has warned the Island’s mental health crisis is only ‘worsening’.
Stark figures show that three in ten of young people surveyed have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, while 31 percent of respondents said they have self-harmed without intending suicide.
Meanwhile, 71 percent said they often felt unhappy, down or tearful, and 66 percent said they felt totally lacking in energy and enthusiasm.
Nearly half of people felt alone or isolated, 71 percent reported problems sleeping, and 58 percent said they had been worrying.
Bullying was another trend identified by the survey. 57 percent said they had been bullied, and 41 percent said they had received threatening, intimidating or nasty messages via social media, email or text.
44 percent said they had been bullied on social media.
‘Feeling positive about the future’ was at 66 per cent.
How to get support from the IW Youth Trust
Mental health support is also available by phone on (01983) 529569, by email: info@iowyouthtrust.co.uk, or on the trust’s website.
The IW Youth Trust operates a welcoming walk-in hub on Pyle Street, Newport, where young people can drop in for information, advice and guidance.
It comes as the government launches a consultation on whether to ban social media for under 16s.
A total of 1,760 people, aged between eight and 24, took part in the 2025 Youth Mental Health Survey.
Jo Dare, IW Youth Trust chief executive said the results make it “abundantly clear” that many young people on the Island are facing mental health issues.
“There are some really stark findings here that all of us on the Island need to be aware of”, she said.
“The first thing to say is that no young person need face these issues alone. We are there for you so please reach out if you need support.”
The findings of the survey have helped the IW Youth Trust draft its new five-year strategy, which sets the charity’s priorities and goals for the next five years.
It is due to be published in the coming months.