News and media
Here you can find the latest Growing Up in Australia news and media releases.
Feeling a sense of belonging at school linked to lower suicide risk for young adults — April 2026
New research from AIFS shows that feeling connected at school and having supportive relationships with parents and peers can help reduce suicide risk for young people in early adulthood.
One-third of teens experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours — August 2025
One-third of Aussie teens report suicidal thoughts or behaviours—AIFS study urges early, tailored support to address complex youth mental health risks.
Parents in positive relationships with their partner have children with stronger m friendships — June 2025
AIFS research shows teens with happy, low-conflict parents build stronger, trusting friendships—while conflict at home weakens peer connections.
Young carers more likely to experience financial hardship and fall behind at school — June 2025
AIFS research reveals that over half of Aussie teens have experienced sexual harassment, highlighting an urgent need to better protect young people.
Over half of young Australians have experienced sexual harassment — December 2024
AIFS study reveals that over half of young Australians aged 16–19 have faced sexual harassment, with higher rates among females and LGBTQ+ youth.
Three in ten older teens have experienced intimate partner violence — October 2023
According to a national study, almost three in ten 18-19 year olds have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year.
Young people whose parents receive welfare far less likely to be working or studying — August 2023
Young people whose parents receive welfare payments are far less likely to be working or studying in late adolescence, according to research AIFS.
Teens volunteering protects against poor mental health — May 2023
A new report by AIFS has found that if a child is involved in volunteering before the age of 13, the odds of having poor mental health are reduced by around 28%.
'Invisible people' - policy makers urged to consider the needs of 20-somethings who moved back home during the pandemic — February 2023
A new report by AIFS reveals the extent of social isolation and loneliness experienced by those in their early twenties during the national lockdown.
What is the link between video gaming and gambling? — October 2022
Ten to Men's report, Gambling participation and harm among Australian men, reveals how men gamble and the effects that gambling poses to men’s health and wellbeing.
Around one in three adolescents have considered self-injury — September 2021
Thoughts of non-suicidal self-injury are common among young people and increase during the adolescent years, according to new research released by AIFS.
More than one in four adolescents under 18 years old allowed to drink at home — August 2021
Over 25% of Aussie teens aged 16–17 are allowed to drink at home, raising concerns about early alcohol use and related harms, AIFS study finds.
One in three Australian teens report experiencing discrimination — March 2021
One in three Australian teens report that they recently experienced discrimination, according to new research released today by AIFS.