What is young people’s health?
Young people’s health covers people aged between 16 and 24. It refers to everything needed to help you be healthy:
- physically
- mentally
- socially
- emotionally.
This includes:
- primary care – such as for illness, injuries, health checks or care for chronic conditions
- health prevention and promotion – such as immunisation and information about sexual health, alcohol and drugs
- allied health care – such as for psychotherapy or nutrition advice.
Why young people’s health is important
All young people deserve to reach their potential and be safe, healthy and thriving. Your health when young is important in building strong foundations for future wellbeing.
Health as a young person can affect your:
- educational achievements
- lifestyle and relationships
- shift from education to the workforce
- transition to becoming a parent
- connection to the community.
It even affects the future social and economic wellbeing of our community.
Poor health as a young person increases your risk of chronic health conditions, such as:
- mental health issues
- cancer
- heart disease.
Poor mental health can also put you at risk of:
- self-harm
- homelessness
- substance use
- suicide.
We want to prevent and reduce chronic health conditions and poor health by helping you adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
COVID-19 and young people
While some effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people are emerging, the full impact is complex and not yet fully understood.
Compared with February 2017, psychological distress worsened in April 2020 for people aged 18 to 24. In April 2021, this had improved but was still higher than in February 2017.
Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on young people.
Finding help and support
Help and support is available. Connect with health services.