New research from the country's largest longitudinal study of child wellbeing has found experience at school is critical to good mental health in young people.
The Growing Up in New Zealand study has today released several snapshots of what is happening to teens at high school.
It's headline findings include young people having higher levels at satisfaction at school as being more capable at dealing with school tasks, as well as lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Kids who experienced discrimination, especially those with disabilities, were less likely to be able to handle tasks at school.
The report argues that student mental health and learning environments are inseparable, requiring policy to address both together. Professor Sarah-Jane Paine is research director of Growing Up in New Zealand.
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