WH&Y Youth Health Matters: Young people's perspectives

Promoting the health and wellbeing of young people in Australia is more important than ever. In 2022, young people faced the ongoing impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, climate crisis, global conflicts, inflation and the soaring cost of living. These dynamics affect their mental health, their economic opportunities, their ability to lead healthy lifestyles, and their ability to access health services when they need them. Ensuring young people’s opportunities for good health, healthcare and health information is a human right. It is also good for society and future generations. Sadly, young people aged 10 – 25 years continue to be neglected in an Australian health system that is designed for the very young or the very old. Those who experience forms of social disadvantage or discrimination are even less likely to get the help they need. Even so, young people have shown remarkable resilience.