Adolescence and young adulthood is a critical period in a person’s life. It is a time for finishing school, pursuing further training and education, entering the workforce, transitioning from dependence to independence and forming relationships. The foundations for future health and wellbeing are also laid down at this time. This report brings together a wide range of data on the wellbeing of young people aged 12–24. It also provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on young people. Highlights are presented in Australia’s youth: in brief.
Newer content available
The health related content and data in this report have been superseded by the publication Health of young people. Also see Children & youth Reports for the latest data relating to both health and welfare content.
- Cat. no: CWS 81
Key findings
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Severe psychological distress among 18–24 year olds increased from 14% in February 2017 to 22% in April 2020
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In February 2021, 11% of 15–24 year olds were not in education, employment or training; similar to February 2020
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Between 2001 and 2019, rates of 14-24 year olds who drank at risky levels, smoked daily, or used drugs illicitly fell
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In 2019, police-recorded sexual assault was 9 times as high for females as males aged 15–24