Background of the Survey

The Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being

The 1998 Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing was the first national survey anywhere in the world to focus on the mental health of children and adolescents. The survey found that mental health problems were relatively common. Since 1998, there have been substantial changes in the way mental health care is provided in Australia. There have been significant changes in people’s understanding of mental health. A range of new programmes and services has been developed in the education and health sectors that provide information, support, and specialist help for young people and their families. Programmes such as KidsMatter and Mind Matters promote mental health through the school environment. While each jurisdiction has taken its own approach, schools are generally providing higher levels of support, including access to specialist counselling

Click here to download the report for more information

The second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing (Young Minds Matter)

Young Minds Matter, the last national survey of child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, was conducted between 2013 and 2014 and involved more than 6,000 Australian families. The survey examined the emotional and behavioural development of children and young people between 4-17 years. Furthermore, the survey identified the high prevalence of mental disorders across Australian society and the contrasting low levels of service use.

Click here to download the Young Minds Matter report for more information

Partner Institutions

The Young Minds: Our Future study is proud to partner with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Curtin University, The University of Queensland, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and Roy Morgan Research on this important project.

Young Minds: Our Future is funded by the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.