Our nation's future is at stake, and it's time to take action. The health of Australian adolescents is a pressing concern, with an alarming 80% failing to meet national dietary and physical activity guidelines. Mental health issues are on the rise, with a staggering three-quarters of adolescents experiencing depression or anxiety. Yet, we are failing to prioritize their well-being.
In today's world, adolescents are immersed in technology. With nearly all of them having smartphones, digital health tools offer a promising avenue to revolutionize youth healthcare. But are we truly meeting their needs?
A recent study by Imogen Croucher and Mariah Issa from Youth Well Lab at The University of Sydney reveals a concerning gap. The 21 publicly available digital health initiatives for adolescents are limited in scope, primarily focusing on mental well-being and neglecting crucial areas like nutrition and physical activity, which are essential for overall health.
Additionally, these initiatives often lack cultural specificity and engagement with adolescents themselves. The language is complex, and the platforms are not youth-friendly. As a result, we are missing the mark in providing effective support.
The digital world is evolving rapidly, and we must ensure that evidence-based health initiatives keep pace. These gaps present an opportunity to intervene and create a positive impact on the lives of young people, shaping their future and the generations to come.
The problem extends beyond adolescents. Globally, health and well-being are declining, with adults failing to meet physical activity and nutrition recommendations. Non-communicable diseases are now the leading causes of death, placing immense burdens on individuals and society as a whole.
The Australian government's focus on Healthy Ageing is commendable, but it must be recognized that this initiative should start much earlier. Adolescents are a crucial part of the solution, and investing in their health is an investment in our collective future.
The global population of adolescents is at an all-time high, with 3.3 million young people in Australia alone. By promoting good health practices during adolescence, we can establish lifelong protective behaviors, reducing the future burden of disease.
The National Preventive Health Strategy emphasizes the importance of preventive action, but the lack of investment in adolescents may hinder our progress towards a healthier Australia.
Investment in adolescents goes beyond financial returns. It's about empowering them to be active participants in their health journey. Studies show that adolescents value their involvement in decision-making processes, and this engagement leads to better health outcomes.
However, opportunities for adolescents to engage in health initiatives are scarce. This goes against the advice of leading organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and The Lancet Commission.
The Health Advisory Panel for Youth at The University of Sydney (HAPYUS) is a prime example of the importance of youth voices in shaping research. As Sara Wardak, a former HAPYUS advisor, puts it, "We want to be involved, but the research field often feels inaccessible. We need to bridge that gap and engage, not disconnect."
Adolescents should be active contributors to initiatives that impact their health and well-being. Their unique perspectives and experiences are vital in developing effective solutions.
Digital technologies offer an equitable solution. With the technology sector booming, the potential for improving health is immense. While digital solutions may present challenges, such as accessibility and digital literacy, they can provide accessible healthcare on a global scale at a relatively fixed cost.
The National Digital Health Strategy encourages us to embrace the digital revolution, and researchers are already doing so. Artificial intelligence, social media, and text messaging have been utilized to deliver preventive healthcare to adolescents.
The Health4Me study, led by Dr. Rebecca Raeside, is a prime example of a successful co-designed, text-message health initiative. It highlights the importance of adolescent involvement and their advocacy for co-designed digital solutions. One participant said, "It should be available to everyone. I'd use it again in a heartbeat."
As we harness the power of digital technologies for health, we must also empower adolescents to be part of the process. Their firsthand experiences are crucial in developing relevant and effective solutions. By involving them, we can prevent the staggering cost of inaction, estimated at USD $4.1 trillion by 2050.
We simply cannot afford to ignore the health of our adolescents. It's time to take action and invest in their well-being, for their sake and for the future of our nation.
