November 2009     The Australian Government Office for Youth has released its 'State of Australia's Young People' which reports on the social, economic, health and family lives of today's young people aged 12-24.  This report is intended to help develop a national strategy, and it will hopefully provide some insight to parents and carers.

While the Report identifies that young Australians have a positive attitude towards the future overall, the Snapshot sets off alarm bells in relation to some emerging health and safety issues.

The Snapshot shows us that:

• One in four young Australians aged 16-24 years old have a mental health disorder with young people, especially girls highlighting self harm and unhealthy body image
• More than a quarter of year 8 Australian students report that they know someone who had been cyber – bullied
• Young people are more likely than others to be affected by particular crimes, such as violence.
• Teenagers aged 15-19 years had the highest hospitalisation rates for acute intoxication from alcohol among all age groups.

Minister for Youth Kate Ellis expressed concern about the growing prevalence of self harm, particularly amongst Australian girls.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has also found that hospitalisation rates for intentional self harm among young people increased by 43% between 1996 and 2006.

“This is our Young Australia – so lost, so isolated and frustrated that they take to slashing their own flesh or other serious forms of harm and mutilation. If these stats aren’t a call to arms – then I don’t know what is,” said Minister Ellis.

“Of course it’s not all doom and gloom – we have a remarkable generation of young people who are truly inspired. But what these issues point to is the need for us to ensure the self esteem, self confidence and empowerment of our young people.”

Here are some additional findings parents may find useful:

• Almost 80% of young people remain in the parental home at least until they are 24 years old.
• Young people are generally confident and optimitstic about their own future, but are concerned about the economy and employment
• Almost half of 15-19 year olds are employed, with the majority working in a part-time capacity
• Young people who complete school are more likely to get full-time work
• Young women's income is significantly less than young men's
• Just over half of 18-24 year olds have some consumer debt
• Young women spend more time in domestic work than male counterparts, regardless of work/study commitments
• Young people watch about 2 hours of television every day and spend 1.25 hours online
• 90% of 17 year olds use a mobile phone
• Only a third of Australian households have internet filtering
• Family relationships have a strong impact on the well-being of young people, and friends are an important source of support
• Over two-thirds engage in some form of physical activity, but often not enough
• The proportion of young people who volunteer regularly is low as is their involvement in community organisatons.  Only 80% of those eligible are enroled to vote
• Almost two-thirds have a religious affiliation
• Almost a quarter are overwight or obese
• The most common mental health issues are substance use for young men and anxiety for young women, and only 1 in 5 teenagers with mental health problems seeks help
• Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people
• A large number of young people are drinking at high-risk levels, particularly 18-24 year old males
• About a quarter of 18-24 year olds smoke on a daily basis
• Cannabis and stimulants are the most common illegal drugs used by 18-24 year olds
• Only two-thirds of young people who were sexually active used condoms, and many reported having had unwanted sex
• One-quarter of young people feel unsafe walking home alone at night

For the full report, click here.

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