The nature of the issue involves providing a basic description of what the issue is, as well as defining key terminology associated with the issue. 

For example, mental health is a complex issue which involves the ability to cope with stress, maintain satisfying relationships, adapt to change and function effectively in daily life. 

Some aspects of positive mental health include:

• emotional wellbeing (understanding and managing one's emotions effectively)
• psychological resilience (the ability to bounce back from setbacks, challenges and adversity)
• social connections (healthy relationships and social support networks)
• self-esteem and self-confidence (positive self-image, self-respect and confidence in one's abilities)
• cognitive functioning (memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making)
• purpose and meaning (a sense of purpose, direction and meaning in life)

Examining current health reports and valid data allow individuals, governments and health organisations to determine the extent of concern a health issue is posing in the community. For example, current research tells us that approximately 1 in 7 young people have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months, with anxiety disorders being the most common (AIHW, 2024).

The research from AIHW also provides information on the impact of mental health issues on quality of life, social relationships and educational achievement. Factors such as academic pressures, social media use and personal stressors contribute to mental health issues for young people. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a considerable impact on the mental wellbeing of young people, with increased feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Why is this an issue?

A health issue becomes a health priority when it satisfies the following conditions:

• The issue is prevalent (widespread) in society
• The issue has a high incidence rate (statistics are rising)
• The issue needs to be causing harm (morbidity/mortality)

The Mission Australia Youth Survey (2023) highlighted mental health as one of the top 4 issues of concern for young people, with 38% of participants reporting their mental health as fair or poor.

https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/what-we-do/research-impact-policy-advocacy/youth-survey#:~:text=Highlights%20from%20the%202023%20Youth,school%2C%20mental%20health%20and%20relationships.

Therefore, mental health issues are a large burden for young people, as well as their friends and family. Factors such as the increased use of social media/technology, academic pressure, economic challenges, family dysfunction, cultural influences and limited access to support may also significantly impact a young person’s mental health.

Protective factors come from the determinants of health and can include broad features of society, environmental factors, socioeconomic factors, health behaviours and biomedical factors. Protective factors for mental health include reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, developing coping strategies, improving social connection and inclusion, limiting social media use, ensuring equitable access to health services and developing a sense of purpose.

Strategies implemented to support young people’s health vary according to the health issue. There are a range of strategies currently in place to improve the mental health of young people in Australia, including;

• a focus on mental health throughout K-10 PDHPE in all NSW schools and in Health and Physical Education across Australia.
• organisations such as Headspace, the Black Dog institute and Beyond Blue who undertake research, raise awareness and provide support for young people with mental health issues.
• R U OK? Day, which reminds people to check in on the mental health of family, friends and colleagues.
• Raising Children- The Australian Parenting Website by the Australian Government aimed at educating parents in how to prevent mental health issues in young people. 

Other strategies can be explored by visiting the Australian Government web page: 

What we're doing about mental health.

Examining research and current recommendations for the health of young people can provide guidance for developing future strategies to manage health.

Focuses such as The National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People 2020–2030 and the NSW Youth Health Framework 2017-24  provide some insight into goals for improving young people’s health into the future. The AIHW website also provides insight and statistics surrounding young people’s health to assist in the development of effective health promotion initiatives.

For example, the National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People 2020-2030 highlights a plan to support the mental health of LGBTI+ children and young people through undertaking research into their specific needs.

By analysing current research and data, individuals may identify gaps and pose questions to further understand health issues that affect young people. This will also assist them to explore the factors contributing to the health issues, and be better equipped to advocate for young people who are experiencing poor health.

For example, the following questions may assist in the understanding and advocacy of young people’s mental health:

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of young people in Australia and what strategies can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on mental health?
2. What are the long-term outcomes for young people who experience mental health issues in Australia? 
3. How can early intervention and treatment improve youth mental health in Australia?
4. What mental health challenges do young people from culturally diverse backgrounds face in Australia and how can mental health services be adapted to better support their unique needs?

Investigate a second health related issue for young people and propose a new health strategy in the local area to your local minister.

• Survey 20-60 young people and have them provide what they believe to be the most important health issues for young people today.

• Evaluate this data and identify the top 5-10 health issues.
• How does this list compare to those identified below? Account for any differences.
• What are the key health issues for young people according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare?
• How can we know what the key health issues are?
• Decide on the top health issue for young people and engage in a formal debate as to its priority level.
• Write a letter to your local minister persuading them of the importance of your health related issue and proposing a future health promotion they should initiate in your local area. 

Include:

 i. The nature of the issue

 ii. Current data on the issue

 iii. Why the issue should be a priority

 iv. Protective and risk factors

 v. The limits of current practices

 vi. The new strategy and evidence using data as to why you think it will work.

Health issues:

• gender and sexuality
• food
• sense of self and body
• violence
• valuing movement
• technology
• relationships and sexual health
• alcohol and other drugs 
• mental health
• road safety.

Tips for finding sources

• Search the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for your health-related issue or navigate to it through the menus.
• Use Google, Google Scholar, Perplexity or AI to find sources (Google Scholar has a ‘cite’ button on each resource which will provide the correct formatting for your reference list/bibliography).

• Check articles or websites for the resources they used in their research.