Many young people experience a relatively healthy life growing up in Australia. Some experience trauma, illness and health issues. Burden of disease which refers to the quantified impact of a disease or injury on a population (AIHW, 2024) can provide a snapshot of the overall health loss- years of healthy life lost through premature death or living with ill health.

Youth is a crucial transition period and young people’s health can strongly impact their educational success, transition into full-time employment and ability to develop healthy adult lifestyles. Better health in youth can also support smoother family formation and parenting experiences later on (AIHW, 2021). Recent surveys by Mission Australia (2023) highlight that young Australians see environment, equity and discrimination and economic and financial issues as the top challenges facing their generation today.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2024), approximately 77% of Australian youth aged 15-24 have at least one chronic condition, with mental health conditions like anxiety (26%) and depression (17%) being particularly prevalent. Additionally, only 10% of adolescents aged 15-17 meet recommended daily physical activity guidelines. In addition approximately 26% of Australians aged 16-24 experience high or very high psychological distress, with young women particularly affected (34% compared to 18% for young men). 

Health issues impacting young people in Australia explored here include: mental health, sexual health, alcohol use, physical activity and road safety. Other health issues impacting young Australians include: chronic conditions, relationships, injuries, nutrition, body image, drugs, violence, technology and others that may arise over time.

Australia was home to an estimated 3.3 million young people aged 15-24, comprising 13% of the total population. Among this group, males slightly outnumbered females, with 52% (1.7 million) male and 48% (1.6 million) female (ABS, 2023). Australian young people live a relatively healthy life. Approximately 89% of Australian adolescents aged 15–19 report experiencing good or very good health, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2024) yet mental health concerns remain significant, with nearly 1 in 4 young Australians aged 16-24 reporting a mental disorder in the past year​. Physical activity rates are also lower than ideal, with only 10% of adolescents meeting recommended exercise levels, according to a 2020 study by Active Healthy Kids Australia. 

According to AIHW in 2016, there were 241,824 Indigenous Australians aged 10–24, making up 5% of the nation’s youth population. The majority of young Indigenous people resided in non-remote areas, such as major cities and inner and outer regional areas. In less urbanised regions, including remote and very remote areas, Indigenous youth represented a higher proportion of the overall youth population. 

Comparatively, young Australians face similar mental health challenges to their peers in other high-income countries like the United States, Canada and the UK but tend to report better overall health and access to healthcare than adolescents in lower-income nations, where health issues often relate more to infectious diseases and limited access to medical care.

Exploring health data requires individuals to explore both the accuracy and reliability of data. Accuracy refers to how closely the data reflects the true values or facts being measured. Accurate data correctly represents the phenomenon being studied, providing a precise reflection of reality. Reliability is the consistency of data when measurements are repeated under similar conditions. Reliable data produces similar results over multiple trials or with different samples, indicating stability and dependability.

It is important to ensure that the sources of health data are accurate and reliable. For example, reliable and accurate data can be accessed data from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Primary Health Networks (PHNs), Indigenous Data Sovereignty Initiatives, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and non-for-profit organisations such as Mission Australia, headspace and Beyond Blue. 

In 2021, one-half of First Nations people were aged under 24 years (median age) and about 1 in 3 (33.1%) First Nations people (about 325,800) were aged under 15, compared with fewer than 1 in 5 (17.9%) non-Indigenous Australians aged under 15 (AIHW, 2021). 

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people encounter distinct challenges in the transition to adulthood. Factors such as intergenerational trauma, experiences of racism and socioeconomic barriers all profoundly shape the landscape of opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous youth impacting their health, education and social experiences.

According to AIHW in 2014-2015 over three-quarters (approximately 76%) of 15-24 year old Indigenous people were happy all or most of the time in the previous 4 weeks. More than 60% of Indigenous youth aged 10 to 24 acknowledged their traditional homelands or ancestral Country, while over 69% participated in cultural events during the past year.

Connection between Health and Connection to Country

Country refers to the area of land or sea on which there is a spiritual or traditional association for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For First Nations people the deep spiritual connection to Country and community permeates way of life including health and wellbeing.

Research by Bourke and colleagues in 2018, showed that cultural factors such as a deep connection to Country and its care, traditional knowledge and beliefs, language, self-determination, family and kinship networks and cultural expression act as protective elements that positively impact the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. These aspects of culture foster resilience, reinforce identity and support social cohesion; all of which contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes.

For example, engaging with Country and practising cultural traditions have been shown to reduce stress, enhance mental health and foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

According to AIHW (2018) Indigenous Australians residing on their homelands or traditional Country were generally less likely to have completed Year 12, be employed, or have the financial capacity to raise $2,000 within a week compared to those who either had access to visit their homelands or did not identify with traditional Country. Conversely, those living on their homelands or traditional Country reported better health outcomes, with 78% rating their health as excellent, very good, or good, compared to only 47% of Indigenous Australians who were restricted from visiting their homelands.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap (AIHW, 2015) recognises the unique cultural, spiritual, physical and economic connections that Indigenous Australians have with their lands and waters. It establishes specific outcomes, targets and indicators aimed at enhancing Indigenous cultural wellbeing through focused policy initiatives. 

Causes

• Socioeconomic disadvantage
• Experiences of racism and discrimination
• Limited access to healthcare, especially in remote areas
• Substance use (e.g. smoking, alcohol, drugs)
• High prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular conditions)

• Environmental disruptions impacting land and resources
• Inadequate housing conditions (e.g. overcrowding, poor infrastructure).

Protective Factors

• Connection to Country
• Family and kinship networks
• Engagement in cultural practices and knowledge
• Self-determination and community control
• Access to culturally safe healthcare
• Educational opportunities
• Resilient social structures (e.g. Indigenous health organisations).

Impact of Access to Aboriginal Health Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people may experience limited access to healthcare services compared to non-Indigenous Australians, due to factors such as service availability, cost and the lack of culturally sensitive care. The Health Performance Framework (HPF) data (AIHW, 2024) highlight a disparity by remoteness: those living in rural and remote areas generally face higher rates of disease, injury and premature death compared to individuals in urban areas. To address these issues, the Health Performance Framework emphasises the need for expanded access to comprehensive, culturally safe primary healthcare services to improve health outcomes and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases, hospitalisations and deaths among First Nations people​.

Critical determinants of health for First Nations people include cultural identity, family and kinship networks, connection to Country and participation in cultural practices. According to AIHW data, between 2010 (6%) and 2016 (22%) there was an increase in the proportion of Indigenous youth receiving an Indigenous health check. In 2015-16, Indigenous youth represented a third of all treatment episodes provided by alcohol and other drug treatment services. Almost 9,000 Indigenous people aged 10-17 were on care and protection orders at 30 June 2017 and nearly 8,000 were in out-of-home care highlighting ongoing systemic inequities​ accessing adequate culturally appropriate health services. 

Strategies to Improve Access to Health Services 

Research by Rowley (2008) found that when regular primary healthcare outreach services are available, outstation communities report unexpectedly low rates of illness and death. Benefits of outstation living include greater physical activity, healthier diets, limited alcohol access, strong connections to culture and family and enhanced self-determination opportunities. These findings highlight the health benefits of culturally connected, decentralised living environments for Indigenous communities.

Studies by Burgess and his colleagues in 2009 also indicate that Indigenous Australians engaged in activities like ‘Caring for Country’ and living in decentralised outstations experience significantly better health outcomes. A cross-sectional study in Arnhem Land observed that adults who participated in Caring for Country initiatives showed improvements in diet, physical activity and mental health along with a reduced risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease even after accounting for socioeconomic factors.

Strategies to improve access to health services for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people focus on increasing cultural safety, enhancing service availability and strengthening preventive health education. Culturally safe health practices are central to ensuring Indigenous youth feel respected and understood when seeking medical care. Programs like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers initiative train Indigenous professionals to deliver culturally relevant healthcare within communities, building trust and understanding between providers and patients. Additionally, partnerships with organisations such as the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) promote culturally sensitive care by advocating for Indigenous-led health services that reflect the values and needs of Indigenous communities​.

Increased funding for mobile and telehealth services also allows Indigenous youth in remote locations to access medical care without the need for long-distance travel. Preventive health initiatives targeting chronic diseases are also being introduced in schools and community centres to increase health literacy, aiming to reduce risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use and poor diet.

Mental Health

Mental health is a significant concern for young people in Australia. Rates of anxiety and depression have been on the rise and are the leading causes of total burden of disease amongst young people. The table below shows data from Lawrence (2015) about the most recent data on the prevalence of mental disorders among young people, but it is over 10 years old now so accuracy can be questioned. 

Factors such as academic pressures, social media use and personal stressors contribute to this trend. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a considerable impact on the mental wellbeing of young people, with increased feelings of isolation and uncertainty with 74% of young people reporting their mental health was worse during the pandemic in 2020 (Headspace, 2021).

According to 22% (30,600) of Indigenous young Australians aged 15-24 reported a long-term mental health condition (AIHW, 2015). Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental health conditions just as it is for non-indigenous Australians.

Sexual Health

The 2021 National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health found that 61% of young Australians aged 14-18 reported some form of sexual activity. During their latest sexual encounter, 80% discussed having sex, 65% discussed sexual pleasure and 55% talked about using a condom, though only 49% actually used one despite 75% having one available.

Regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 72% agreed on the importance of testing, but only 39% knew where to go, 26% found it easy to get tested and 33% felt uncomfortable discussing testing with partners. For sexual health information, 77% turned to friends, 57% to websites and 50% to mothers, while general practitioners were the most trusted source (78%).

There is a higher rate of reported sex amongst young Indigenous Australians and the number of people reporting to have had sex before the age of 16 is increasing (from 64% of those who had engaged in sex to 85% in the space of 5 years). Over half use condoms for protection during intercourse.

(National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health, 2021). 

Alcohol Use

Trends in alcohol use among young people in Australia have shown positive changes in recent years with the age of average first beverage consumption moving from 14.7 in 2001 to 16.2 in 2019 (AIHW, 2020. Overall, alcohol consumption among adolescents has been decreasing, with fewer young people engaging in risky drinking behaviours.

Within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People, only 30% had not consumed alcohol in the last 12 months; however, they also are consuming smaller amounts of Alcohol, with only 27% drinking on a single occasion beyond alcohol risk guidelines.

Road Safety

Road safety is a critical issue for young people in Australia, as motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of injury and death in this age group.

Efforts to improve road safety have resulted in positive outcomes, with a decline in the number of young drivers involved in fatal crashes. Challenges persist, such as risky driving behaviours and mobile phone use. The government continues to educate young people of the risks of dangerous driving as well as introducing strict licensing regulations, and targeted campaigns.

15-24 year olds had the highest rate of transport injury hospitalisation of any age group in Australia from 2013-2023. Males aged 15–24 had the highest rate (481.1 per 100,000) in 2022-2023 (AIHW, 2023). 

The causes and protective factors vary according to the key health concern. Causal factors are elements that increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes, while protective factors help prevent or mitigate these outcomes by providing support or resilience.

Mental Health

Causes:

• Academic pressures
• Social concerns such as bullying
• Dysfunction and separated parents
• Traumatic experiences.

Protective Factors:

• Strong support systems
• Access to mental health services
• Developing coping skills and resilience.

Sexual Health

Causes:

• Lack of education
• Peer influence
• Substance use

Protective Factors:

• Sexual education that covers consent, safe sex practices, and contraception
• Access to youth-friendly sexual health services
• Knowledge and skills to make informed decisions
• Supportive environments
• Open communication between young people and trusted adults or health professionals.

Alcohol Use

Causes:

• Peer pressure and social norms
• Easy availability
• Risk-taking tendencies
• Stress and anxiety
• Media influences

Protective Factors:

• Education on responsible drinking, risks, and strategies to reduce harm
• Supportive family and community environments
• Legal drinking age restrictions and responsible service of alcohol.

Physical Activity

Causes:

• Sedentary behaviours, such as excessive screen time
• Poor access to safe recreational spaces and facilities
• Busy schedules
• Parental and societal influences.

Protective Factors:

• Creating environments that promote physical activity, such as safe parks and facilities
• Incorporating physical activity into daily routines
• Providing opportunities for structured physical activity
• School policies that prioritise physical activity
• Positive role models and family engagement.

Road Safety

Causes:

• Inexperienced drivers
• Risky driving behaviours, such as speeding and mobile phone use

• Peer influence and pressures
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation.

Protective Factors:

• Graduated Licensing Scheme
• Education programs in schools
• Strict enforcement of road safety laws
• Promoting alternative transportation options
• Parental supervision of inexperienced drivers.

The determinants of health, which include broad features of society, environmental factors, socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviours and biomedical factors play a significant role in shaping health-related behaviours amongst young people. 

Broad Features of Society

The broad features of society are made up of culture, affluence, social cohesion, inclusion, political structures, public policy decisions, the media and languages around health.

Culture including shared values, beliefs, norms and practices shape young Australians’ attitudes and behaviours towards health, illness and wellbeing. For instance, dietary habits often reflect cultural backgrounds and can influence health outcomes related to nutrition, obesity and chronic diseases. 

Young people from Asian cultural backgrounds may prioritise fresh, home-cooked meals rich in vegetables and consumed socially, which supports balanced nutrition and reduces risks of obesity and heart disease. By contrast, fast-food culture, prevalent among many Australian youth encourages quick, processed meals often eaten in front of screens or alone leading to lower nutrient intake and potential long-term health impacts.

Affluence refers to the overall wealth and economic capacity of society, which significantly shapes young Australians' access to health resources and influences their health behaviours. Australia’s status as a wealthy nation enables significant investment in health promotion, education and healthcare infrastructure; providing young people with greater access to quality healthcare, fitness facilities and educational resources about health. This affluence promotes healthier behaviours such as reduced smoking rates, increased participation in exercise and higher-quality food choices. 

Affluence can also lead to convenience-driven habits that negatively impact health. For example, frequent dining out and reliance on cars rather than active transport can contribute to sedentary lifestyles and increased rates of obesity. In Australia, the availability of fast food and the convenience of driving everywhere underscore how affluence, while providing benefits, can also lead to lifestyle choices that may hinder long-term health for young people.

Social cohesion is the trust, mutual obligations and respect that strengthen community bonds, which significantly shape young Australians' health behaviours. In communities with high social cohesion, 

youth are more likely to adopt healthy behaviours and follow group decisions around health practices. 

For example, young people in cohesive communities may embrace shared health habits like informed decision making and physical activity or support public health initiatives like vaccination. This collective approach creates a supportive environment where youth feel encouraged to make positive health choices alongside their peers and family.

Inclusion in society refers to the degree to which diverse groups are integrated and have equitable access to resources. When young people from different backgrounds, including Indigenous and immigrant communities are embraced and supported they are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours and access health services. Where inclusion is limited, youth may feel disconnected leading to higher risks of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, barriers to inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth can contribute to issues like excessive alcohol consumption or poor nutrition, underscoring the importance of culturally inclusive health messaging and resources.

Government structures and policies directly impact youth health by determining resource allocation and enforcing health-related laws. Policies like Australia’s tobacco tax and smoke-free public spaces have significantly reduced smoking rates, promoting better respiratory health across communities including among youth. Effective governance ensures that resources are directed towards public health, education, and community support, creating environments where young Australians are better equipped to make informed health decisions.

Media particularly social media strongly influences health perceptions and behaviours among young Australians. Social media influencers and health-related campaigns shape how young people view fitness, diet and body image. For example, exposure to fitness influencers may encourage young people to join a gym or adopt regular exercise routines. Media influence can sometimes lead to unrealistic health standards, highlighting the need for balanced, accurate health messaging to guide youth toward healthy behaviours.

Language plays a critical role in health outcomes, particularly when communication barriers exist between young people and healthcare providers. For example, if a young person with diabetes has limited understanding of their doctor’s dietary advice they may struggle to manage their condition effectively. Ensuring clear, accessible communication and language support for all young Australians helps bridge gaps in health understanding, supporting better health management and compliance with medical recommendations.

Environmental Factors

Natural Environment

The natural environment, encompassing air quality, water quality and access to green spaces plays a crucial role in young people’s health choices. For example, Tasmania’s clean air and abundant parks support outdoor activities, promoting physical and mental wellbeing among young residents. Conversely, urban areas like Sydney often face higher pollution levels and fewer green spaces, which may discourage outdoor activities and lead to more sedentary behaviours as young people opt to stay indoors. Access to fresh air and open spaces thus strongly influences whether youth engage in healthy, active lifestyles.

Built Environment

The built environment includes human-made structures such as buildings, transportation systems and urban design all of which impact health behaviours. In cities like Sydney, the presence of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly paths encourages walking and cycling, promoting more active transportation options. Young people in these areas have greater opportunities for physical activity as part of daily life, along with access to a range of indoor recreational facilities like gyms and sports centres. The design of the built environment shapes daily habits, making active choices more convenient and accessible for youth.

Geographic Location

Geographic location affects young people’s access to resources, healthcare services and social connections. Those living in rural areas may experience a sense of isolation due to fewer social and recreational options, which can impact mental health and lead to risky behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption, as a form of entertainment. Limited access to healthcare in remote regions also impacts preventive care and health support for rural youth, making geographic location a key factor in their overall wellbeing.

Socioeconomic Characteristics

Socioeconomic factors such as education, employment and family income significantly shape young Australians’ health behaviours. A family’s income level can affect a young person’s access to resources like nutritious food, healthcare and recreational facilities which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, young people from lower-income households may face limited access to fresh food and health services making it more difficult to eat well, see a GP regularly or participate in physical activity.

Education also plays a critical role as it provides health literacy that influences young people’s health decisions. For instance, those with knowledge about the dangers of speeding are more likely to drive safely and make choices that protect their wellbeing. Higher levels of education equip young people with the tools to understand health information and make informed decisions.

Employment impacts health behaviours as well. For example, young people working in fitness-related fields are likely to engage in regular physical activity, while those in high-stress jobs like childcare and nursing may struggle to balance work with a healthy lifestyle, potentially impacting their mental and physical health.

Health behaviours

Health behaviours refer to actions that either support or compromise wellbeing and are influenced by attitudes, knowledge and skills. Positive health behaviours include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and safe driving practices all of which lower the risk of adverse health outcomes. For instance, a young person who prioritises road safety is more likely to wear a seatbelt, avoid speeding and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.

Conversely, riskier behaviours may compound negative outcomes. A young person who views speeding as harmless might also disregard seatbelt use or drive after drinking especially if they overestimate their driving skills. These examples illustrate how certain attitudes and choices can escalate health risks, particularly when paired with inexperience or misconceptions about safety. 

Biomedical Factors

Biomedical factors such as gender, developmental stage and health conditions can influence health behaviours among young Australians. For example, higher testosterone levels in males are associated with an increased tendency toward risk-taking. This can result in behaviours like engaging in unprotected sex or riding dirt bikes without helmets, especially if they perceive these activities as exciting or socially rewarding. Additionally, young people often have a sense of invincibility leading them to underestimate the potential consequences of certain behaviours such as frequently consuming fast food or vaping. 

Since the health impacts of these foods may not be immediately visible, they may assume they can avoid negative effects overlooking long-term risks like weight gain and chronic disease.

Health conditions and physical limitations also shape health behaviours. For instance, a young person with asthma or a physical disability may find it challenging to engage in regular physical activity. This can lead to more sedentary behaviours such as increased screen time or extended periods of sitting which may impact their overall health. It is important to recognise that biomedical factors interact with other determinants. For example, a young person with a supportive family involved in team sport is more likely to be active and eat well due to both family influence and access to resources.