Teen mental health concerns
June 20, 2012
FIFTY-three percent of Australian
adults believe that the mental
health of teenagers is worse now
than when they were teenagers,
according to a new Australian
Attitudes to Young People Survey.
Conducted by the Bupa Health
Foundation and the Australian
Research Alliance for Children and
Youth, the research surveyed 1,000
Australian adults aged over 18
years in May 2012, and was
designed to ascertain adults’
attitudes to the health and
wellbeing of children and young
people in Australia.
According to the results
Australian adults believe the health
and happiness of children and
young people ranks above
strengthening the economy and
national security and protecting the
environment in improving Australia
over the next two decades.
The report also found that 40% of
Australians believe that the
physical health of children is worse
than their generation; whilst 43%
believe the physical health of
teenagers is worse now than when
they were teenagers.
Interestingly, researchers also
found that nearly three quarters of
respondents believe that society
shares the responsibility for improving
the health and wellbeing of kids
and young people, yet only 39% of
adults typically consider the
wellbeing of children and young
people when making decisions.
“This is a loud warning signal
demonstrating the importance of
developing a plan for action to
address the gaps in policy, practice
and attitudes when it comes to the
health and wellbeing of our young
people,” said Bupa’s Dr Paul Bates.
To have your say on what you think
is important for young Australians
see www.thenestproject.org.au.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 20 Jun 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 20 Jun 12
