Children's Future Fund

 

Snapshot of Australia’s children and young people
• 1 in 5 are overweight or obese – this figure has doubled in a decade

• 14% suffer a significant mental health problem. Anxiety and depression ranks as the leading health problem for teenagers

• One in three teenagers drink alcohol at a level that puts them at high risk of harm

• 20% are being treated for asthma

• 8% have a disability

• The number of child abuse notifications has doubled in the past five years.

• Sexually transmitted diseases in young people have risen substantially in recent years
Source: AIHW, ABS, TICHR

A modern paradox1

At a time of increasing economic growth and technology, many of the key indicators reflecting the health and wellbeing of children are either static – or getting worse.

Why is it that mental health problems such as ADHD, alcohol and drug abuse, violent behaviour, eating disorders are increasing amongst our young people?

Why are we seeing such high rates of complex, chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, autism and cerebral palsy?

It’s a disturbing trend that’s being seen in most developed countries.

We know some of the reasons, but not all. We know that much of it has to do with social, economic, environmental factors.

We also know that, at this rate, the next generation will have a shorter life expectancy than this generation.

 

1 Keating and Hertzman, 1999

Last updated 15 October 2007