Individualism, a growth in permissiveness, and a decline in religious affiliations have all attracted debate. In general, Australian youth remain healthy, and retain a positive view of their health. The prevalence of syphilis has declined further, but gonorrhoea notifications have doubled. Shifts in young people's lifestyle carry implications for health later in life. Physical activity declines across the teens, so that fewer than a third of women aged 20-24 years take part in regular, moderate to vigorous physical exercise.
Some groups have disproportionately high levels of health problems.
Low socioeconomic status is linked to higher death and hospitalisation rates, as well as to lower self-rating of health. Recent death rates for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are close to three times higher in males and twice as high in females compared with rates for non-Indigenous youth. High levels of mental disorders and substance abuse are major contributors at one level, but the fundamental causes are more likely to be found in social and economic conditions, the loss of cultural identity and the disaffection of youth in many of these communities. The report's findings will inevitably prompt questions about current health provision for young Australians. At present, young people's primary care attendances, for example, are mostly for relatively minor respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal problems or acne.