Fact Sheets

Know the facts

Easy-to-read information on health and wellbeing topics that matter to Australian teens.

About 1 in 7 Australian young people (aged 4-17) experienced anxiety in 2024.
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australian teenagers.
Physical symptoms include racing heart, sweating, shaking, stomach aches, and headaches.
Anxiety becomes a problem when it stops you from doing everyday things.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.
Regular exercise can reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 20%.

Depression affects about 5% of Australian adolescents at any given time.
Depression is NOT a sign of weakness — it's a medical condition involving brain chemistry.
Symptoms last at least 2 weeks and include persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue.
Depression can look different in teens — irritability is often more common than sadness.
With proper treatment, 80% of people with depression improve significantly.
Talking to a GP is the first step — they can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Australian teens spend an average of 3+ hours per day on social media.
Excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.
Social comparison on platforms can lower self-esteem and body image.
Cyberbullying affects approximately 1 in 5 Australian young people.
Taking regular "digital detox" breaks can improve mood and sleep quality.
Following positive, educational accounts can make social media a helpful tool.

Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.
Teen brains naturally shift to a later sleep schedule ("night owl" tendency).
Only 1 in 4 Australian teenagers get enough sleep on school nights.
Poor sleep increases risk of anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance.
Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
Consistent sleep schedules (even on weekends) improve overall sleep quality.

Only 10% of Australian 13-17 year olds meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity.
Exercise releases endorphins ('feel-good' chemicals) that naturally improve mood.
Regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by 20-30%.
Team sports provide both physical and social benefits for mental health.
Even 10 minutes of walking can boost mood and energy levels.
Exercise improves sleep quality, concentration, and academic performance.

Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect, trust, honesty, and communication.
It's normal for friendships to change and evolve during teenage years.
Setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect, not selfishness.
Peer pressure peaks during adolescence but healthy friendships support your choices.
Isolation and withdrawal from friends can be early signs of mental health issues.
Learning conflict resolution skills now builds lifelong relationship abilities.