<![CDATA[Mental health symptoms among school-going children and adolescents can vary considerably across demographic and geographic groups, yet these differences are often overlooked when symptoms are considered only within diagnostic categories. This study examined variations in DSM-5 cross-cutting mental health symptoms among 1,109 learners aged 9–19 years from 40 public schools across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West. Data were collected using the DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure and analysed using group comparisons and binary logistic regression. Repetitive thoughts and behaviours (74.1%), anxiety (63.4%), depression (62.5%), and inattention (61.4%) were most frequently reported, while suicidal ideation and attempts were least frequent (18.9%). Symptom levels varied significantly according to age, sex, and province, with higher symptom burden observed among older learners and females. Symptom levels differed significantly by age, sex, and province. These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive, early mental health support in schools.]]>
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