Teenage health

Young people work through a wide range of issues as they move from childhood to adulthood. They may have to deal with changes to their bodies and their feelings, and they may be thinking about their first relationship or about having sex. Many are also exploring their identity in terms of sexuality or gender.

They may want more independence from their families, and friends may begin to play a more important part in their lives. Some may also want to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Although growing up can be exciting, it can also be confusing and challenging.

Research shows that confident young people who feel supported by their families and friends are more likely to safely manage issues like these. Even so, adolescence is generally a time for experimenting with risky behaviors, even with good parenting and role modeling.

Alcohol#

Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs, and many young people have tried it by their mid-teens. For young people, alcohol use is associated with a range of health risks, including unsafe or unwanted sex, unintended pregnancy, drink-driving, road accidents, violence, and aggressive behavior.

Body image#

Young people are at risk of developing a negative body image, in which they dislike the way they look. Related health problems can include crash dieting, malnourishment, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, obesity, and steroid use to build muscle mass.

Bullying#

Bullying is common, and young people are bullied by their peers for many reasons, including the way they look (for example, being overweight), being “the new kid” at school, resisting pressure to conform, their cultural or socioeconomic background or religion, their academic achievements, or their sexual orientation or behavior.

Smoking#

Despite widespread health campaigns, tobacco smoking is still found among young people, although the number who smoke cigarettes is decreasing. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke; cancers of the lung, throat, and mouth; reduced lung function; asthma and other respiratory problems; and a damaged sense of smell and taste.

Family life#

Young people can face issues relating to family life, including relationship problems between family members, separation and divorce, family violence, and abuse, including neglect or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. For some young people, a change in family circumstances can be positive. For example, if there has been a lot of conflict, separation may be a better option.

Illicit drugs#

Cannabis (marijuana) is one of the illicit drugs more commonly used by young people. Other illicit drugs sometimes used include hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy, though only small numbers of young teenagers have tried these.

It is often assumed that young people turn to illicit drugs to ease depression or anxiety, but most try them simply for fun. Young men are more likely than young women to experiment with illicit drugs, and those who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol are also more likely to try them.

Media#

Media, including print, television, film, and online content, can affect young people in negative ways. This includes exposing them to extreme violence that can desensitize them to reality, reinforcing the importance of money, consumerism, and status symbols, and supporting the cultural idea that only thin is beautiful, which promotes body image problems.

Mental health and suicide#

Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people. Research shows that more young women than young men attempt suicide, but young men are far more likely to die by suicide. Young men living in rural and remote areas are also more likely than those in cities to take their own lives. If you are worried about a young person’s mental health, seek support early.

Sexuality#

Young people need access to comprehensive, factual information about sexuality to safely navigate adult relationships. The issues they may be confronted with include cultural definitions of gender roles, sexual orientation, safer sex and contraception, sexually transmissible infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy, and peer pressure.

Pregnancy#

Pregnancy can be a positive time for a young woman, but she may also face issues such as financial pressures, emotional distress, isolation, a lack of understanding or support from family and friends, and complications during pregnancy.

Getting help#

A range of youth-friendly services can support young people and their families. These services provide a hub of resources and information to help young people deal with the things they go through each day, including support for LGBTIQA+ young people. If you are concerned, speak with your doctor or a local health or counselling service.

Key points#

• Young people may want more independence from their families, and friends may play a more important part in their lives.
• For young people, alcohol use is associated with a range of health risks.
• Young people are at risk of developing a negative body image, where they dislike the way they look.
• Smoking tobacco increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
• Cannabis is one of the illicit drugs more commonly used by young people.