Early Support Crucial for Teen Mental Health
25 Mar 2026
The Future Proofing Study by the Black Dog Institute found that poor sleep, difficulties in family life, and a lack of social connection can all contribute to mental health problems in teens. While most adolescents manage well, some are at higher risk of depression and anxiety as they grow older.
Launched in 2019, the study followed 6,388 students from 134 schools across Australia for five years, starting in Year 8. Students were surveyed annually about their mental health and wellbeing.
Key findings include:
- Depression: 72% had no symptoms, 12% had persistent symptoms, 8% had moderate increasing symptoms, and 7% saw symptoms improve over time.
- Anxiety: 67% had no symptoms, 18% had persistent symptoms, 8% had moderate increasing symptoms, and 7% saw symptoms decrease.
UNSW Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler, co-lead of the study, said:
“A substantial number of young people experience symptoms that worsen over time. This shows the importance of early intervention and targeted support.”
Risk factors include being female or gender-diverse, peer problems, negative family interactions, and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Protective factors that help teens thrive include strong school connections, healthy sleep habits, positive family relationships, reduced problematic screen use, and trauma-informed care for those affected by ACEs.
GP and RACGP Child and Young Person’s Health Chair, Dr Tim Jones, said:
“This study shows how complex the factors affecting youth mental health are. Early conversations with a trusted GP and focusing on fundamentals like social connection, sleep, and healthy screen use are vital.”
The study also highlighted sleep problems: 38% of students reported persistent or increasing insomnia between Years 8–11. Those with severe insomnia were four times more likely to experience high anxiety and six times more likely to experience high depression.
ACEs were common, with 57% of students reporting at least one ACE by Year 8, linked to higher risks of poor mental health by Year 10. Experts stress the need for better family support, screening, and early intervention.
Dr Jones added:
“These factors are fundamental to long-term wellbeing. Early identification can influence everything from school completion to future relationships and life stability.”
The Black Dog Institute says investing in early support gives a real chance to change the trajectory of young people’s mental health, while Dr Jones emphasises that solutions take time, patience, and trusted relationships – not just prescriptions.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Black Dog Institute, newsGP