The skills for strengthening and sustaining oneself, play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing a young person’s health and wellbeing as well as that of another young person. These skills include self-efficacy, health literacy, help-seeking behaviours, problem-solving, resilience, coping strategies, a sense of purpose, ethical behaviour and connectedness. 

Skills for strengthening and sustaining young people contribute to protecting and enhancing health and wellbeing by fostering self-belief and empowering young people with health knowledge and skills.

They enable a young person to seek help in times of need and empower them to solve the problems that everyday life throws their way. By building resilience an individual can overcome setbacks, which improves mental, physical and social health.

To do so a young person needs healthy coping strategies such as seeking help and keeping themselves as well connected socially. Combining all this with a sense of purpose improves resilience and provides the motivation needed to maintain health. Ethical behaviour also enhances trust, integrity and positive relationships which contribute positively to overall wellbeing. These skills empower young people to take control of their health, make informed decisions while cultivating a positive and fulfilling life which also empower other young people to do the same.

Self-efficacy refers to a person’s belief in their capability to complete tasks and manage challenges. Building self-efficacy in young people involves developing confidence and self-esteem, which in turn supports them in making positive health-related decisions. This belief in their abilities not only promotes self-care, but also positively influences those around them, as young people’s actions and decisions often serve as examples for peers.

Mental Health

Young people with a strong sense of self-efficacy in mental health are more likely to take proactive steps to support their wellbeing. This self-assuredness enables them to manage stress effectively, maintain a positive outlook and seek help when necessary. For instance, individuals with high self-efficacy might regularly engage in mindfulness exercises, physical activity or seek support from friends and family to cope with difficult emotions. The confidence they gain from these practices acts as a protective factor against mental health issues and fosters resilience, which in turn enhances overall wellbeing. Furthermore, their positive outlook and behaviours can influence their peers, encouraging a supportive environment for mental health.

Road Safety

Self-efficacy plays an essential role in promoting safe behaviours among young people related to road safety. Those with high self-efficacy in this area are more likely to make responsible decisions, such as wearing seatbelts, avoiding mobile phone use while driving and adhering to speed limits. Confidence in one’s driving skills and awareness of road safety practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, promoting wellbeing by minimising risks of injury and fatalities.

Self-efficacy is shaped by factors such as past experiences, social support, education and available resources. To enhance self-efficacy among young people, it is essential to create opportunities for skill development and support a growth mindset. With strong self-efficacy, young people understand they can overcome obstacles and continue to improve, fostering resilience and a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing.

Health literacy is the capacity to understand and effectively utilise health information for making informed health decisions. This includes interpreting food labels, understanding nutrition requirements, recognising the interconnected aspects of health and navigating available healthcare services. Enhanced health literacy is essential for young people to improve their health outcomes, enabling them to manage personal wellbeing with confidence and independence.

Mental Health

In the area of mental health, high health literacy equips young individuals to understand mental health conditions, recognise early symptoms and seek appropriate help when needed. Accessing reliable information sources about mental health and support services allows young people to make informed decisions for both themselves and others, encouraging early intervention and engagement in self-care practices. For instance, knowledge about mental health might prompt a young person to recognise signs of anxiety or depression and seek counselling or self-help resources, like mindfulness or meditation practices to manage their wellbeing.

Road Safety

Health literacy also plays a significant role in road safety. Knowledge of road rules, safe driving practices and an understanding of risks associated with unsafe behaviours, such as texting while driving empowers young drivers to make responsible choices. A young driver with strong health literacy is more likely to adhere to traffic laws, avoid distractions and use seatbelts, ultimately enhancing the safety of both themselves and others on the road.

By improving health literacy, young people acquire the skills to make well-informed health choices and actively seek support when needed. Health education that fosters the ability to evaluate credible health information is vital, as it empowers young people to navigate health-related challenges and make choices that promote positive long-term health behaviours.

Accessing health services means that young people need to develop the skills to access services that can further support their health. Often these may be accessed with the support of their parents if they are younger or developing the skills to actively seek support from health services as they move into adulthood. 

Young people are extremely fortunate to be able to access a large range of health services. These health services can come from Western medicine such as seeking the advice and services of General Practitioners or dentists where they might prescribe medication or seeking advice from complementary or alternative health services of the benefits of approaches such as homoeopathy, aromatherapy or massage. 

Early into this developmental stage, young people will often have the support from their parents to access health services through their GP, specialists, public or private hospital, clinics and health care centres. Young people will be able to access health services through their family Medicare card or they can obtain their own card at 15 years of age and also access their parents’ private health insurance should they have it, until their parents have the young person attached to their account.

In terms of accessing health services, young people may rely on the recommendations from family, friends or peers or may seek advice online or via telephone services. A young person may investigate signs and symptoms of certain conditions online using ‘Dr Google’ before they seek help from professionals. This may cause issues for the young person either physically or mentally as they are diagnosing their health issue before accessing trained advice. Young people need to develop the skills to critically analyse the services that are available and decipher reputable medical and health practitioners from the not so experienced. 

Mental Health

Help-seeking behaviours in mental health involve reaching out to your support network of trusted individuals or professionals for support, guidance and/or treatment. Young people who exhibit positive help-seeking behaviours are more likely to receive timely interventions and appropriate care for their mental health concerns. For instance, if you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of appetite or frequent worry, you may seek help from your friends and family, a school counsellor, a mental health hotline or a therapist. This proactive approach to seeking support can prevent the escalation of mental health issues such as preventing depression from setting in and promoting overall health.

Using help-seeking behaviours before mental-health issues arise will also improve your health as you develop coping strategies, such as centred breathing techniques and establishing a support network. 

This improves your health by allowing you to manage these issues before they become a problem and by proactively avoiding them.

Road Safety

Help-seeking behaviours in road safety involve consulting experts or authorities to ensure safe driving practices. Young people who actively seek support in this area are more likely to enrol in driver education courses or seek advice from experienced family members to improve their driving skills. By engaging in these responsible help-seeking behaviours, young drivers can reduce their risk of accidents and injuries, thereby enhancing their health by avoiding serious injury. Safe driving practices also support social wellbeing by allowing young people to participate in social activities while keeping themselves and others safe.

Promoting help-seeking behaviours in road safety among young people is essential. These behaviours encourage young individuals to access appropriate resources, seek timely advice and adopt preventive measures that protect their overall health and wellbeing. Positive help-seeking habits empower youth to address safety concerns, make informed decisions on the road and rely on trusted guidance and resources to reinforce their personal and social health.

Problem-solving skills are essential for safeguarding and enhancing the health and wellbeing of young people. The capacity to identify, analyse, evaluate, and address challenges equips young individuals to make informed decisions, granting them a greater sense of control over their health and overall wellbeing.

Mental Health

In mental health, problem-solving skills help young people to recognise signs of issues such as anxiety or depression and take appropriate actions. These skills enable individuals to break down complex problems into manageable steps and apply effective strategies. For example, a young person experiencing anxiety might identify specific triggers, adopt coping mechanisms such as deep breathing or mindfulness and seek professional support when necessary. Problem-solving skills also aid in developing long-term coping strategies, like regular physical activity and relaxation techniques, to address both symptoms and root causes, promoting mental resilience and positive mental health.

Road Safety

In road safety, problem-solving skills are equally valuable as they allow young drivers to identify potential hazards, evaluate risks and make informed decisions to enhance safety. For instance, recognising that distracted driving increases accident risks might lead a young person to adopt strategies such as turning off their phone or using hands-free devices. Similarly, when crossing roads they might assess traffic patterns to choose a safe crossing point. By developing these decision-making skills, young people can address road safety proactively and reduce risks associated with driving.

By applying problem-solving skills, young individuals can address health-related challenges, cultivate resilience and make responsible decisions all of which contribute to improved overall health and wellbeing.

Resilience is essential for protecting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of young people, enabling them to adapt, recover, and grow in response to adversity or challenging situations. 

By fostering resilience, young people can better navigate health challenges and maintain a sense of wellbeing through difficult times.

Mental Health

In the area of mental health, resilience equips young people to cope with stressors and challenges more effectively. Resilient individuals are able to draw upon their inner strength and use problem-solving skills to find healthy ways to manage stress. For example, resilient youth may engage in physical activities, mindfulness practices or seek support from trusted individuals to cope with academic pressures or personal difficulties. This resilience supports them in learning from setbacks, adapting coping strategies and recovering from challenges such as experiencing anxiety or a depressive episode thereby strengthening mental health over time.

Road Safety

In road safety, resilience supports young drivers by enabling them to recover emotionally from accidents or near-misses. Resilient individuals are able to process their experiences, learn from them and regain the confidence to continue practising safe driving habits. For instance, if a young driver is involved in an accident, resilience helps them manage any lingering fear or anxiety and take necessary steps to improve their skills and confidence.

Additionally, resilience allows young people to adapt to changing road conditions and unexpected challenges, helping them make responsible decisions such as adjusting speed or choosing alternative routes in adverse weather.

By building resilience, young people can maintain their health, recover from setbacks and adapt to various life challenges, which collectively promotes their long-term health. 

Coping strategies play a vital role in safeguarding and enhancing the health and wellbeing of young people. These strategies include techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, regular physical activity, seeking social support and engaging in creative outlets like music or dance. 

Time management and cognitive reframing, which involves shifting to positive self-talk are also effective coping methods that allow young people to manage stress and maintain resilience.

Mental Health

In mental health, coping strategies assist young individuals in regulating their emotions and provide healthy alternatives to potentially harmful coping mechanisms such as substance use. Engaging in deep breathing exercises, mindfulness or journaling can help reduce stress and anxiety, while physical activity and social support foster a sense of control over emotional wellbeing. For example, these strategies can be especially useful during academically demanding periods, as they help young people develop resilience and manage stress in a proactive manner.

Road Safety

In road safety, coping strategies like deep breathing or listening to calming music while driving support focus and composure, which is essential for safe driving. These techniques also aid in responsible decision-making and problem-solving on the road. For instance, when faced with challenging road conditions, a young driver may use deep breathing to stay calm, assess risks and make safe choices accordingly.

By adopting effective coping strategies, young people are better equipped to regulate emotions, manage stress and make responsible choices. 

These skills support their mental health and contribute to improved overall wellbeing when in other driving or traffic related experiences. 

Participating in community service enables young people to contribute and give back to their community and is a highly positive experience for them. Community service may include volunteering to raise money for charities by selling merchandise in their local community for charities such as Daffodil Day or Bandaged Bear Appeal; knocking on doors to raise money and awareness such as the activities undertaken for The Salvation Army during Red Shield Appeal; and hosting fundraising events such as National Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon Breakfast, The Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council and the World’s Greatest Shave for Canteen.

In addition, young people may also volunteer their time at nursing homes, hospitals such as in The Starlight Room at the Children's Hospital Westmead, homeless shelters such as at Matthew Talbot Hostel in Sydney or even participating in Vinnies Van for St Vincent de Paul by offering conversation and a meal to people living on the streets.

Other voluntary work may be undertaken for the environment through hosting a recycling or upcycling collection, planting trees for National Tree Day, working in their local National Park on bushcare projects or bush regeneration, planning NAIDOC celebrations or participating in Clean Up Australia Day.

Young people may also contribute to the community by baby or dog sitting, coaching local sporting teams, umpiring or refereeing or becoming a Surf Life Saver for their local surf life saving club.

This community service builds on the skills young people develop at school, as well as the confidence and
self-esteem to become active members in their community where they can share their talents and skills.

Additionally, older generations may also benefit from the voluntary services of their younger community members and may begin to see them as respected and valued members of the community. In their volunteer work, young people will also be able to develop positive decision-making skills, communication, leadership, respect, acceptance and a positive sense of belonging.

Mental Health 

A sense of purpose acts as a powerful motivator for young people, helping them persevere and build resilience when facing life’s challenges. This purpose-driven focus provides individuals with the determination needed to navigate setbacks. For instance, a young person dealing with anxiety may find solace and strength by reflecting on a larger, meaningful purpose whether that purpose is spiritual or related to a broader goal such as contributing to social causes or environmental advocacy.

Young people with a clear sense of purpose often experience an enhanced sense of self and greater self-worth. This strong sense of purpose has been linked to higher self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life, both of which serve as protective factors against mental health issues like anxiety and depression. A clear sense of purpose supports not only resilience but also the overall mental wellbeing of young individuals, empowering them to face difficulties with confidence.

Road Safety

A sense of purpose can significantly encourage young people to make responsible choices on the road. A well-defined purpose often leads them to prioritise both their safety and that of others. For example, a P-plate driver who values their loved ones and wishes to contribute positively to their community is more likely to observe traffic rules, avoid distractions and maintain safe driving habits reducing risks to passengers and other road users.

This sense of purpose provides young people with direction, motivation and resilience fostering a positive self-concept and greater self-worth. These attributes support not only personal health and wellbeing but also contribute positively to the safety and wellbeing of others. Ultimately, a clear purpose empowers young people to lead fulfilling lives, make meaningful contributions and embrace responsible behaviours that benefit themselves and their communities.

Ethical behaviour plays a critical role in promoting the health and wellbeing of young people by guiding actions with moral principles that consider the welfare of others. Ethical behaviours include honesty, integrity, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, empathy and community engagement. Young people develop ethical skills by engaging in environments that promote these values, which contribute to a strong moral foundation and responsible decision-making.

Fostering an understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures enhances empathy and tolerance,
which are core components of ethical behaviour. Encouraging young people to volunteer or engage in community service exposes them to different social issues and the importance of contributing positively to society. Developing critical thinking skills enables them to analyse situations thoroughly and make informed ethical choices.

Teaching the value of accountability, where individuals take responsibility for their actions further strengthens their moral character. By integrating these practices into their daily lives, young people can build a strong ethical foundation that will guide their actions and decisions throughout their lives.

Mental Health

Ethical behaviour fosters respectful relationships by enabling one to have empathy for the other person, being trustworthy and honest, showing oneself to have integrity and through engagement in community activities.

Together this helps create supportive environments in which young people can thrive. The benefits of ethical behaviours come through in friendships, family dynamics, as well as positive relationships and wider social relationships. This helps protect against depression, anxiety and other mental health issues both for the individual and others around them.

Road Safety

Ethical behaviour in road safety includes adhering to traffic laws, respecting pedestrians and cyclists and taking responsibility for actions that may impact others. Young people who practise ethical behaviour on the road promote both their own safety and the health of others reducing risks of injury and conditions like post-traumatic stress. Actions like obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and abstaining from drinking and driving reflect ethical choices that reduce accidents and protect lives.

Connectedness helps to protect and enhance the health and wellbeing of young people. It refers to a sense of belonging, social support and meaningful connections with others. When young individuals have a strong sense of connectedness, it positively impacts their health and wellbeing as well as that of those around them.

Due to the rapid changes and challenges a young person may be experiencing at this stage of life, it is important for them to build on the connectedness they have with their family, friends, peers, teachers, employers and the wider community. Young people can develop a sense of belonging through participation in events and celebrations. This may mean that young people are on the organising committee for local events such as Australia Day celebrations or even a local community market. Participation such as this may help develop a sense of purpose for them and to build on their self-esteem and leadership skills as well as build interpersonal relationships within groups and the wider community.

A young person may also come to rely on individuals in their life for support also and they may seek advice when they might be challenged by someone or something. Seeking the advice of a trusted individual, especially an adult ensures a young person can discuss openly how they are feeling as well as develop positive interpersonal relationships, solve problems effectively, make positive decisions and overcome adversity.

Each of the skills self-efficacy, health literacy, help-seeking behaviours, problem-solving, resilience, coping strategies, sense of purpose, ethical behaviour and connectedness play a vital role in promoting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of young people. These skills are interconnected and work together to create a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Self-efficacy empowers young individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions. To do this well they need problem-solving skills, which individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to have or seek to develop. This in turn enhances their resilience, enabling them to bounce back from setbacks and cope with stress, which they do by using their learnt coping strategies.

Health literacy is crucial in navigating the complexities of health information. It complements self-efficacy by providing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and solve problems. Health literacy also encourages help-seeking behaviours, as they know when to seek appropriate support and how to find good resources when needed.  

A sense of purpose provides young people with direction and meaning. It encourages responsible behaviours, including ethical decision-making. These ethical behaviours then nurture a sense of connectedness as they foster positive relationships, respect and empathy towards others which helps encourage help-seeking behaviours.

These skills interrelate to create a comprehensive approach to promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of young people. Self-efficacy, health literacy, help-seeking behaviours, problem-solving, resilience, coping strategies, sense of purpose, ethical behaviour and connectedness all impact one another (much like each aspect of health does). By developing these skills collectively, young people can protect and enhance health and wellbeing as well as that of others, leading to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.