HAY Harrow 2025 Report

The HAY Har­row 2025 Report brings together the London Borough of Harrow Public Health, the Young Harrow Foundation, and local schools and colleges.

It offers an analysis of what it is like growing up in Harrow. Almost 8,000 young people (ages 9‑18) participated, with 37 schools and colleges involved.

Now in its third edition, HAY Har­row amplifies children’s and teens’ voices, delivering clear insights on their health, identity, safety, aspirations, and the support they receive. New demographic layers—such as SEND status, caring duties, and first language—make the findings even more inclusive.

Five Key Themes:

  • Digital wellbeing
  • Mental health
  • Physical activity
  • Safety
  • The future
HAY Harrow 2025 Report

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Five Key Themes

The HAY Har­row 2025 report centres its analysis around five interconnected themes that capture what matters most to young people in Harrow today

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Digital Wellbeing

Young people in Harrow are highly engaged with the digital world through devices, gaming, social media, and online interactions. While technology can offer entertainment, connection, and learning, the HAY Harrow data highlights risks around excessive use, online safety, and mental health.

Vulnerable Groups. Non‑binary pupils, those with SEND, asylum‑seekers, and those facing food insecurity tend to spend more time online, have more frequent contact with strangers and face a greater likelihood of unwanted sexual solicitations.

Read the report in full.

22%
have daily or frequent online contact with people they have never met in real life
16%
of KS3 students say their phone/tablet sometimes wakes them up at night
11%
have received images or messages that made them feel uncomfortable or upset

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Mental Health

Mental health and emotional wellbeing shape how young people experience their lives. While most report feeling loved and supported, high levels of anxiety and emotional strain are also common. This chapter explores life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and the key factors affecting mental health across different groups.

Vulnerable Groups report higher levels of depression, anxiety and difficulty coping. These circumstances make them far more likely to need targeted support.

Read the report in full.

75%
of young people say they feel loved
48%
of non‑binary respondents “often” feel depressed
17%
of all young people feel anxious or nervous

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Physical Health

Most young people in Harrow report feeling positively about their physical health, with 83% rating it as excellent or good. However, while this headline is encouraging, a deeper look at the data reveals persistent health inequalities - particularly in physical activity levels, dental health, and access to services - that disproportionately affect some of the borough’s most vulnerable groups

Vulnerable Groups encounter the greatest obstacles to sport and exercise, resulting in lower activity frequencies and poorer related health outcomes (e.g., dental attendance).

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45%
of KS2 pupils meet the daily activity target
32%
of secondary age school students feel they do not receive enough information at school about adolescence and body change
22%
say they do not get enough sleep to feel awake and focused at school/college

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Safety

Feeling safe—at school/college, at home, and in the community—is fundamental to young people’s wellbeing. The HAY Harrow survey highlights both everyday safety concerns and specific experiences of violence, bullying, and harassment. It also reveals significant disparities between different groups.

Vulnerable Groups report higher incidences of bullying, sexual harassment and overall feelings of unsafety.

Read the report in full.

90%
feel safe at home “all the time”
33%
of KS2 students had seen someone else being bullied
12%
of KS4‑5 and college students report experiencing sexual harassment

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The Future

Young people across Harrow largely express hope for their future, with the majority reporting that they have a sense of direction, career interests, and some form of guidance. However, while the overall picture is positive, significant disparities persist for vulnerable groups — particularly non-binary youth, young people with SEND, carers, asylum seekers, and those experiencing food insecurity — many of whom report feeling unsupported and uncertain about their futures.

Vulnerable Groups are markedly less optimistic and report receiving insufficient career advice or support.

Read the report in full.

42%
of non‑binary youth feel unsupported in considering future options
39%
of KS5 & college students are more interested in apprenticeships and practical training than going to university
21%
of young carers feel unsupported in considering future options

Previous Reports

6,809
children and young people answered the survey in 2023
6,052
children and young people answered the survey in 2021
4,358
children and young people answered the survey in 2018

Other resources and support in Harrow

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Support for local families

We give easy access to book over 300 activities, aimed at children, young people and parents/carers. From well-being sessions and dancing classes to young carers youth clubs and healing and meditation in Harrow.

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Support for school staff

We connect schools, colleges and other professionals with voluntary organisations that deliver regular activities in schools. We also have tailored training opportunities and resources for you.

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Support for local organisations

We offer free membership to voluntary organisations that work with children, young people, and their families who live in Harrow. By becoming a member you can be part of a growing movement towards positive change in the lives of children and young people in Harrow.

Organisations involved