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Teen mental health is a growing national concern. According to the ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, almost two in five Australians aged 16–24 experienced a mental health condition in the past year, a figure that continues to rise. A 2024 national scoping study also highlighted that regions with the highest prevalence of mental health needs among children often have the lowest availability of appropriate services and workforce.
From social media pressures to academic demands, geographic isolation, and environmental worries, teens today face complex challenges that affect how they think, feel, and function. This article explores the key pressures shaping youth mental health in Australia, the scale of the crisis, and how parents and carers can navigate available support. It also outlines simple coping strategies and highlights the mental health services available to HIF members.
Social Media and Online Harm
Digital life has become inseparable from teenage identity, yet excessive screen time is linked to poor mental wellbeing. The Digital Wellbeing Australia Research Brief found that heavy social media use correlates with higher anxiety and depression rates, especially among adolescents who passively scroll rather than interact socially.
The Black Dog Institute’s Teens & Screens Report revealed that nearly one-third of Australian teens spend four or more hours a day online, often consuming content that fuels stress, body image issues, and poor sleep. Increasingly, this includes exposure to distressing global events, with livestreamed wars and graphic footage now appearing on social media feeds in real time. Many worry that the repeated exposure to violent or traumatic content may heighten anxiety, trigger fear responses, and cause emotional desensitisation, even among young people who are far removed from the events themselves, as noted by Embrace Mental Health.
In response, the Australian Government recently announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, requiring platforms to verify age and block underage accounts. This landmark policy aims to reduce harm by addressing cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the constant digital pressure teens face.
Encouraging healthy online habits - such as following positive creators, setting screen-free times, and using tools like the eSafety Commissioner’s guidelines - can make a meaningful difference.
Academic Stress
Academic expectations are another key pressure point. Research by ReachOut Australia found that nearly half of young Australians feel “extremely” or “very” stressed about study and exams, and around 70% report losing sleep as a result.
For many students, academic stress stems from more than grades. Fear of disappointing parents, comparing results to peers, and uncertainty about the future all heighten anxiety. While short-term stress can motivate, long-term pressure can trigger burnout, depression, and sleep disorders. Parents and teachers may be able to help by fostering realistic expectations and promoting balance - reminding students that success is about effort and learning, not perfection.
Geographic Isolation and Access Gaps
Teens in rural and remote Australia face unique mental health challenges. While the National Rural Health Alliance reports similar rates of mental illness to urban areas, rural youth often struggle to access professional care. Fewer psychologists, long travel distances, and stigma around seeking help contribute to underdiagnosis and limited treatment.
Rural teens are also more exposed to environmental stressors like drought and natural disasters. A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that rural adolescents experience compounding effects from economic uncertainty, limited services, and climate-related trauma. Telehealth and community-based programs are essential for closing this gap.
Climate Anxiety
Growing up in a time of visible climate change has created what researchers call “eco-anxiety.” Young Australians report increasing concern about environmental degradation, extreme weather, and uncertainty about the planet’s future. The Medical Journal of Australia highlights how climate-related stress is contributing to widespread distress among youth.
While this anxiety can be overwhelming, it can also fuel positive action. Supporting teens to channel their concern into advocacy or environmental volunteering can help them regain a sense of agency and purpose.
The statistics are confronting. According to the ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 38.8% of Australians aged 16–24 have experienced a mental health condition within the past year, up from around 26% in 2007. The Medical Journal of Australia describes the situation as a “public health crisis,” driven largely by increases in anxiety and depressive disorders.
The Australian Psychological Society reports that social media dependency, cyberbullying, and disrupted sleep are emerging contributors to anxiety and low mood in teens. Meanwhile, the Mental Health Australia National Priorities Statement urges urgent, coordinated investment in prevention and early intervention services.
The scale of distress is especially evident among young women. These figures reflect both rising need and the growing willingness of young Australians to talk about mental health, an encouraging sign that stigma is beginning to shift.
Parents and carers play a crucial role in recognising the signs of distress and guiding teens toward support. However, a study published in ScienceDirect found that many parents struggle to identify symptoms early or to navigate the complex network of available services.
Parents who approach their child’s mental health with openness and empathy make a measurable difference. Simple actions, such as asking open-ended questions, avoiding judgment, and validating a teen’s emotions, can build trust and reduce shame.
Common barriers include:
- Confusion about where to start: It’s often unclear whether to see a GP, school counsellor, or psychologist first.
- Limited service availability: Waitlists for youth mental health professionals can stretch for months, especially in rural regions.
- Emotional hesitation: Parents may worry about saying the wrong thing, or fear making things worse.
According to the Australian Psychological Society, active parental involvement - listening, reassuring, and helping arrange professional care - is one of the strongest protective factors for youth wellbeing.
Supporting mental health isn’t just about treatment. It’s also about daily habits and small changes that build resilience.
- Talk openly: Encourage teens to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. Gentle curiosity such as asking “How are you really feeling?”, can go a long way.
- Maintain healthy boundaries online: Follow the eSafety Commissioner’s advice on setting device-free times, managing privacy settings, and balancing screen time with real-world activities.
- Encourage balanced routines: Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social connection all influence mood. Even small steps, like walking outdoors or eating regularly, can help stabilise emotions.
- Seek help early: If symptoms persist, see a GP for a Mental Health Care Plan, which can provide access to subsidised psychology sessions. Early intervention prevents mild issues from escalating.
Accessing mental health care with HIF is simpler than you might think. At HIF we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we’re committed to helping members find the right support when they need it most.
Through our Health & Wellbeing Programs, you can explore a range of mental health support options designed to make care more accessible, flexible, and personalised.
- Telehealth Psychology Services: Available under eligible Extras Cover, these sessions make professional counselling accessible from anywhere in Australia.
- Mindset Health Programs: App-based programs using evidence-backed methods like CBT and hypnotherapy to help manage stress, anxiety, and sleep.
- Healthy Lifestyle Cover: Included on most HIF Extras Cover options, these benefits can be used toward gym memberships, yoga classes, and other wellness programs that support both physical and mental wellbeing. The benefits and annual limits depend on your level of cover - you can compare Extras Cover options here.
Together, these options reflect our commitment to supporting members’ mental health and overall wellbeing — no matter where they live or how they prefer to access care.
Final Words
Australia’s young people are facing more mental health pressures than ever before, but awareness and support services are also improving. By understanding the factors behind the crisis, encouraging open dialogue, and making use of available resources, families can take real steps toward better mental wellbeing.
Through initiatives like telehealth psychology, digital wellbeing programs, and healthy lifestyle benefits, HIF continues to invest in the mental health of members. Small actions - checking in, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking help early - can make a lasting difference.