Australia’s Push to Understand Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age
Canberra, 14 January 2026 – As Australia grapples with rising concerns over adolescent mental health, a major national study is underway to provide crucial insights into the wellbeing of young people. The Young Minds: Our Future initiative, led by leading universities, aims to update prevalence rates of mental health disorders among children and adolescents, while examining the role of social media and other factors in shaping their lives.
Young Minds: Our Future – A National Study
The Australian government has partnered with Curtin University, the University of Queensland, and Roy Morgan Research to conduct this comprehensive survey. Fieldwork commenced in November 2025 and is expected to run for up to 12 months. It involves interviewing 6,500 parents or carers of children aged 4 to 17, and surveying 3,500 young people aged 11 to 17 via electronic questionnaires. Participants are selected at random to ensure diverse representation, with all receiving a gift card as thanks. The study focuses on prevalence rates of mental health disorders, service use, and influences like family, social media, and education. Results are anticipated in 2027 and will inform policy to enhance support for kids and families.
Social Media’s Dual Role in Teen Wellbeing
Recent research highlights social media’s complex impact on adolescents. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics analysed data from over 100,000 Australian children and found that moderate social media use is linked to the most favourable wellbeing profiles, while both non-use and heavy use correlate with poorer outcomes. For instance, non-users are at higher risk of low wellbeing, particularly among older boys. Since Australia’s social media ban for under-16s took effect in December 2025, Meta has removed over 544,000 accounts, but experts stress the need for balanced digital engagement. eSafety’s research shows 96 per cent of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media, with 70 per cent encountering harmful content like misogyny or grooming. An international study involving Singapore and Australia also links excessive use to declining attention spans and emotional volatility.
Key Facts / Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Participants | 6,500 parents/carers and 3,500 adolescents in Young Minds: Our Future |
| Social Media Use Among 10-15 Year Olds | 96% use at least one platform; 70% encounter harmful content |
| Accounts Removed Under Ban | Over 544,000 under-16 accounts deactivated by Meta since December 2025 |
| Mental Health Prevalence | 6.7% of 15-24 year olds in Belize survey report depression/anxiety symptoms |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Minds: Our Future study aiming to achieve?
The study seeks to update national prevalence rates of mental health disorders in Australian children and adolescents aged 4-17, investigate early symptoms, assess impairment, examine service use, and explore factors like family, social media, and education that influence wellbeing. It will help governments and providers plan better services and reduce barriers to support.
How does social media affect adolescent mental health?
Social media can benefit wellbeing through moderate use, fostering connection, but excessive or no use is linked to poorer outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and reduced attention spans. Harmful content exposure, such as grooming or hateful material, affects 70 per cent of users aged 10-15, according to eSafety research.
What measures are in place to protect young people online?
Australia’s social media minimum age law requires platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts, with fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. eSafety provides digital literacy resources, and the government is trialling age assurance technologies. Parents are encouraged to set boundaries and promote balanced engagement.