The Australian Government has acknowledged the risks to Australian teenagers’ health and wellbeing in a report released today.

The snapshot study, titled “The State of Australia’s Young People: a report on the social, economic, heath and family lives of young people” (see report here), was commissioned by the Federal Government and written by a team of researchers from the Social Policy Research Centre.

It outlined high rates of obesity and mental illness and showed how teenagers have increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse.

The report found one in four teenagers are overweight or obese with a similar number living with a mental illness. It also found one in three sexually active young people had reported experiencing unwanted sex.

Attitude to alcohol

Lead author of the study Dr Kristy Muir, told the ABC that teenagers casual attitude to alcohol was creating a dangerous health situation in young people.

“Young people seem to generally feel that taking alcohol is a lot safer, yet they have the highest rates of hospitalisation from alcohol use,” she said.

Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, who launched the report today, spoke of the study outlining “serious risks” to young people.

“Most young people are well-educated, have close relationships with their families and friends and contribute to society through study, work and volunteering. But the report also shows that there are serious risks to their health, safety and wellbeing,” Ms Ellis said.

By Rich Bowden

Source: theAngle Australasian/Pacific News Coverage

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