Youth Development and Concern (ACNRC)

Youth health is a concern for many reasons, including mental health, physical health, and environmental factors: 

• Mental health

Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and self-harm are common mental health issues in adolescents. Early puberty can increase the risk of mental health issues. 

• Physical health

Adolescents are at risk for many preventable health problems, including substance use disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and injuries from motor vehicle crashes. 

• Environmental factors

Air pollution, chemicals, heavy metals, climate change, UV radiation, and urban health are all environmental hazards that can affect the health of adolescents and young adults. 

• Societal conditions

Poor health can be caused by societal conditions, such as harmful traditional practices, lack of information, and inadequate health services. 

• Reproductive health

In many countries, adolescents lack information and services to help them understand their sexuality and protect them from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Mental health of adolescents (Youth Development)

Key facts

• Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
• Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.
• The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.

One in six people are aged 10–19 years. Adolescence is a unique and formative time. Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood.

Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 7 (14%) 10–19 year-olds experience mental health conditions (1), yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated.

Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviors, physical ill-health and human rights violations.

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions. Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are important.

Sources: ACNRC