International Youth Day: Why Young People’s Health Matters for a Healthier Future

Young people are an important part of every community, and their health during adolescence and early adulthood can influence their wellbeing for years to come. International Youth Day, observed every year on 12 August, provides an opportunity to recognise young people's contributions while also reflecting on the challenges that can affect their health and wellbeing.

For families, schools and healthcare professionals, supporting young people means looking beyond occasional illness. It includes encouraging healthy habits, recognising changes in physical or emotional wellbeing, keeping vaccinations up to date and making healthcare accessible when concerns arise.

This is particularly relevant in Australia, where current health data highlights the importance of paying attention to young people's health during these formative years.

Why Young People's Health Deserves Attention

Adolescence and young adulthood involve significant physical, emotional and social changes. Young people may also begin making more independent decisions about sleep, food, exercise, relationships, alcohol, smoking, vaping and healthcare.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 52% of young Australians aged 15–24 were living with at least one selected long-term health condition, based on analysis of 2022 National Health Survey data. The most common selected conditions among children and young people aged 0–24 included anxiety, asthma and depression.

These figures highlight an important message: being young does not mean being free from health concerns.

Regular attention to health can help identify concerns early and provide an opportunity to discuss healthy choices with a healthcare professional.

Physical Health Matters Too

Young people need a strong foundation of healthy habits as they grow.

Important areas include:

Balanced Nutrition

A nutritious and varied diet provides the energy and nutrients needed for growth, learning and everyday activities. Young people should be encouraged to develop healthy eating habits rather than focusing on restrictive diets or appearance.

Regular Physical Activity

Movement is an important part of overall health. Physical activity can support physical fitness, sleep and general wellbeing.

Healthy Sleep

Sleep plays an important role in physical and mental wellbeing. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and reducing excessive screen use around bedtime can support better sleep habits.

Preventive Healthcare

Healthcare should not only be sought when someone becomes unwell. Routine health checks, vaccinations and appropriate screening can help support preventive care throughout adolescence and young adulthood.

Mental Health Is Part of Youth Health

Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

Young people may experience stress related to school, university, work, relationships, social pressures or changes at home. Sometimes these experiences can affect sleep, concentration, mood, relationships or everyday activities.

AIHW reports that mental health and behavioural conditions contributed the greatest burden among young people in Australia in 2024.

Parents and caregivers can support young people by creating an environment where conversations about mental wellbeing feel safe and non-judgemental.

Signs such as persistent changes in mood, withdrawal from usual activities, significant changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulties functioning at school or work may be reasons to seek professional advice.

Healthy Habits Built During Youth Can Last

International Youth Day is also a useful reminder that health promotion should begin early.

Young people can benefit from learning practical habits such as:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying physically active
• Getting adequate sleep
• Avoiding tobacco and vaping
• Making informed choices about alcohol
• Maintaining healthy relationships
• Looking after mental wellbeing
• Keeping vaccinations up to date
• Seeking medical advice when something doesn't feel right

These habits do not need to be perfect. Small, consistent choices can become part of a healthier lifestyle over time.

Don't Ignore Long-Term Health Conditions

A health condition during adolescence does not necessarily prevent a young person from living a fulfilling and active life. However, appropriate management and regular healthcare can be important.

Asthma, allergies, anxiety, depression and other long-term conditions may require ongoing attention. AIHW data shows that anxiety, asthma and depression are among the more common selected long-term conditions reported among Australians aged 0–24.

Parents and young people should follow their healthcare professional's advice and seek help when symptoms change or become difficult to manage.

When Should a Young Person See a Doctor?

There is no single list of symptoms that applies to every young person. However, medical advice may be appropriate when a young person experiences:

• Persistent or worsening physical symptoms
• Ongoing fatigue or unexplained changes in energy
• Breathing difficulties or recurring respiratory symptoms
• Significant or persistent changes in mood
• Problems with sleep that continue over time
• Concerns about eating or weight changes
• Difficulties managing an existing health condition
• Concerns about development or general wellbeing
• Questions about vaccinations or preventive healthcare

If you are unsure whether a concern requires medical attention, speaking with a GP can be a useful first step.

How Parents Can Support Youth Health

Supporting a teenager or young adult does not mean monitoring every aspect of their life. It means creating an environment where health conversations are normal.

Parents and caregivers can:

Listen first. Give young people an opportunity to explain how they feel without immediately judging or correcting them.

Encourage healthy routines. Support regular meals, sleep, physical activity and time away from screens.

Normalise healthcare. Make medical appointments part of routine health rather than something that only happens during illness.

Take concerns seriously. A concern that appears minor to an adult may feel significant to a young person.

Encourage appropriate independence. As young people become adults, helping them understand their own health and healthcare needs can support greater confidence in managing their wellbeing.

International Youth Day 2026: Supporting Young People Locally

The United Nations observes International Youth Day each year on 12 August. The 2026 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” focuses on empowering young people as partners in creating healthier, more sustainable and inclusive communities.

Health is an important part of that vision.

Healthy young people are better positioned to learn, participate in their communities, pursue their goals and contribute to society. Supporting youth health therefore benefits not only individuals and families but communities as a whole.

Supporting Your Child's Health at Dockside Medical Hub

At Dockside Medical Hub, supporting children's and young people's health is an important part of family healthcare.

Parents and caregivers can speak with a healthcare professional about concerns relating to a child's physical health, development, wellbeing or ongoing health needs.

If you have a concern about your child's health, you do not always need to wait until the problem becomes serious. A conversation with your GP can help you understand whether further assessment or support may be appropriate.

A Healthier Future Starts With Healthy Young People

International Youth Day is more than a celebration of young people's achievements. It is also an opportunity to think about what young people need to stay healthy and thrive.

From nutrition and physical activity to mental wellbeing, preventive healthcare and support for long-term conditions, young people's health deserves attention at every stage of development.

This International Youth Day, let's encourage young people to take an active role in their health, listen to their concerns and make healthcare a normal part of growing up.

Healthy young people today can help build healthier communities tomorrow.

If you have concerns about your child's or young person's health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional at Dockside Medical Hub.