ELEM’s annual report, to be presented today (Sunday) to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, paints a troubling picture of the circumstances facing the young people ELEM’s teams worked with over the past year.

The data is based on encounters with approximately 15,000 teenagers and a sample of more than 3,100 respondents. The report shows that 54% of teenagers reported being exposed to at least one type of violence, with many experiencing three to four different forms of violence. It also found that 51% reported having been victims of sexual violence, and there was a significant increase in violence within the home and online violence.

The report also points to an increase in the use of addictive substances: 66% of teenagers reported alcohol use, compared with 45% last year, and 45% reported drug use. In addition, more than 40% reported feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, with the figure reaching approximately 63% among girls.

One of the most concerning findings in the report relates to teenagers who have experienced loss: 45% of them reported suicidal thoughts or behavior, and 35% reported self-harm. ELEM also notes that since the beginning of 2026, there has been a 70% increase in reports of self-harm and a 73% increase in levels of anger following the escalation of the security situation.

ELEM warns that since October 7, more and more teenagers who were not previously classified as youth at risk have entered cycles of distress. “There is no home without risk,” the report states, calling for expanded support services for all teenagers — not only for populations already defined as youth at risk.