A new study shows that nearly one in four Australian high school students experience serious mental health issues, with girls and gender-diverse teens especially affected.
Researchers followed over 6,600 teenagers from Year 7 to Year 10 to track changes in their mental health. The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, and distress became more common as teens grew older.
By Year 10, almost 30% of the teens showed signs of major depression, about 25% reported high mental distress, and nearly 25% had moderate-to-severe anxiety. These numbers are concerning, showing that mental health problems are widespread among young Australians.
Dr. Scarlett Smout, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the University of Sydney, said, “We were very concerned to find that mental health symptoms were so common and increased over time.” Although the sample was not fully representative, the findings support the idea that today’s teens are struggling more than previous generations.
The study also revealed that girls and gender-diverse teens, particularly those from lower-income families, face higher risks of worsening mental health compared to boys.
Dr. Katrina Champion, a co-author, stressed the importance of identifying vulnerable groups. “We need to create mental health programs tailored to help these teens before their symptoms worsen,” she said.
Public health experts agree the issue is urgent. Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, called adolescent mental health a “growing public health concern.” He added that more research is needed to find out what causes this rise and how to support teens better.
To address these challenges, the Public Health Association of Australia will host a Mental Health Prevention and Promotion conference in March 2026. Experts will discuss how to better understand and prevent mental health problems, especially in young people.
This study highlights the need for stronger support systems to protect the mental well-being of teenagers across Australia.
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