Healthy and healthy during the corona pandemic, also in secondary special and practical education? Similarities and differences between students in regular Secondary Education and Secondary Special Education (VSO)/Practical Education (PrO) in a map

In the Netherlands, the health and well-being of students in classes 2 and 4 of regular secondary education are mapped with the national Youth Health Monitor. Students in special (VSO) and practical education (PrO) normally do not participate in this. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional measurement was carried out, which also involved VSO and PrO students in 6 GGD regions. The results show that VSO|PrO students less often experience their health as (very) good and that they feel less happy than their peers in secondary education. They use substances less often, but when they do, it is more frequent and of multiple types. A more inclusive monitor is desirable, in which all students, regardless of school type, are included. This helps to gain a better understanding of the situation and needs of all young people and more targeted policy recommendations and support, including for the schools themselves.