Report Card: The wellbeing of young Australians

REPORT CARD The wellbeing of young Australians

Acknowledgements The Report Card: The wellbeing of young Australians has been developed through the collective effort and expert guidance of many people. ARACY greatly appreciates the advice of The Nest Expert Reference Group and The Nest Steering Committee, and Professor Fiona Stanley AC, who kindly wrote the summary in this report card. ARACY would like to acknowledge the providers of data, including the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER), the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) of the University of NSW, Mission Australia, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Having access to sound data is critical if we are to improve child and youth wellbeing. Continued support for existing data from the above institutions, and data sets such as the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) and the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, is crucial to tracking our long-term progress. The Report Card was made possible by funding provided by the Estate of the Late James Simpson Love, managed by Perpetual. ARACY also greatly appreciates the Bupa Health Foundation’s ongoing support as principal partner of The Nest.

Funding provided by the Estate of the Late James Simpson Love, managed by Perpetual

Principal partner, The Nest

Foreword

The context

The health and wellbeing of all children and youth in Australia requires continued efforts across the community. Many organisations and individuals hold significant influence over how our young people fare as they head into what, for many, is an uncertain future. A number of policies and programs, strategies and actions exist, and significant investment continues to be made in the future of our children and youth. Yet, despite many positive steps being taken, there is evidence to suggest Australian children and youth are not faring as well as they could. In an international context, Australia can best be described as ‘middle of the road’. Comparative indicators across OECD countries show that while we are doing well in some areas, others, such as child poverty, infant mortality, and youth participation in education or employment, are of concern.

Crucially, The Nest as well as this report card, were shaped around the voices of children and youth, engaged through a national consultation of over 3700 people to hear their hopes, needs and desires. This consultation, along with the views of those working in the child and youth sectors, established a framework for measuring wellbeing among children and youth, known as Key Result Areas (KRAs). These KRAs are listed below.

Supportive systems and environments

The Nest framework

Partly in response to these trends, ARACY brought together researchers, policymakers, service providers, business, and community organisations with the aim of developing a National Action Plan for child and youth health and wellbeing. Known as The Nest, this ongoing initiative seeks to galvanise collaboration across sectors to advance evidence-based strategies, investments and practices to enhance child and youth wellbeing.

Loved and safe

Material basics

Healthy

Learning

Participating

REPORT CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 1

The Report Card

This report card provides a set of baseline indicators for each KRA – indicators that are strongly guided by the realities of ‘what wellbeing looks like’ for children and youth. The indicators provide a point-in-time snapshot of child and youth wellbeing in Australia, including how Aboriginal (Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander) young people are faring. By looking at where we are now, using a set of consistent indicators, it is envisaged that unified approaches can be taken to ‘turn the curve’ to improve child and youth wellbeing. Subsequently, these indicators can be used to track and measure the progress of our actions over time. A common framework, with common measures and indicators, is one step for all levels of the community to work cohesively and with a common purpose to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of all children and youth. The first Report Card: The wellbeing of young Australians, produced by ARACY in 2008, compared indicators of wellbeing for children and youth (aged 0–24 years) for the total Australian population, the Indigenous Australian population and international comparators. The second Report Card builds on the first, in that it not only includes these parameters, but most importantly, reflects what young people and families say is important to them in improving child and youth wellbeing. It focuses on the outcomes we want from each of the KRAs, and is based on evidence gained from The Nest expert consultations and The Nest Summit (Phase 1), together with the views of young people and families themselves.

2 • REPORT CARD The wellbeing of young Australians

Indicator development, data sources and limitations

The Report Card presents a framework for understanding the health and wellbeing of young Australians. There are limitations, however, in the current available data. Providing a holistic picture at a point-in-time across such an array of measures creates challenges. For example, we do not have comprehensive data sets on critical areas, such as social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people, comparative data for children with disability, an agreed poverty measure or index, and agreed measures of family functioning or participation. Comparative data in this report is constructed by using data from the most recent reputable source for the most appropriate age cohort. International, Indigenous and non-Indigenous comparisons may be measured on different timescales and for different age groups and, in some cases, for slightly different concepts. As a result, the Report Card contains a variety of reference periods and age groupings. The accompanying technical report contains full details on all data sources. Further, while the Report Card aims to create a positive frame, some of the available indicators are ‘negative’ or ‘deficit’ measures. The need to have measures for important concepts such as positive family functioning, positive mental health, and social and emotional development is balanced by the realities of the available data, therefore negative measures such as family conflict, suicide rates, psychological distress and violence need to be used in this report. In some cases, there is no data for important indicators, and the Report Card highlights this. The frame of the KRAs gives us an outcomes or ‘end-point’ focus. Where outcome indicators are not available, however, process indicators are used. The lines between process and outcomes can sometimes be blurred. However, process is an important input to achieving outcomes, so focus on indicators such as preschool attendance, for example, is important as are the indicators of the learning outcomes themselves, such as achievement in reading and maths. Finally, in recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing measures that can be used to assess the wellbeing of children and youth. A total of 19 Headline Indicators for children’s health, development and wellbeing have been developed by AIHW and endorsed by Ministerial Councils for health, community and disability services, and education. In addition, the ABS has produced a selection of statistical evidence called Measuring Australians Progress (MAP), developed to answer the question “Is life in Australia getting better?” The indicators within this report card, which are also Headline or MAP Indicators, are marked with an ‘*’.


The international picture Australia is one of 34 member countries of the OECD. The OECD includes most of Europe, North America, and advanced Asian, Latin American and Oceanic economies. The OECD collates data from these countries in relation to a number of economic, social, and environmental measures, providing a comparative and time-series body of evidence. While there are 34 member countries of the OECD, data for measures used in this report is often unavailable for all 34 countries. Australia is ranked against those countries for which there is data and the denominator in the ranking varies for this reason. Other internationally comparable data is also incorporated where appropriate. There is a general lack of comparative OECD data for Australia, because we currently do not participate in some international child and youth wellbeing surveys (for example, the Health Behaviour in Schoolaged Children (HBSC) survey).

Overall, Australia performs moderately in relation to child and youth health and wellbeing indicators compared with other OECD countries. Australia is ranked in the top third of OECD countries for around one-quarter of the indicators (12 out of 46 indicators). Australia leads the world in areas such as low youth smoking rates, some educational and employment outcomes, and environmental conditions at home. Australia is ranked in the middle third of OECD countries for almost one-half of indicators (21 out of 46 indicators). Many health indicators are in the middle third, as well as aspects of love and safety and some measures of material basics.

Australia is ranked in the bottom third of OECD countries for around one-quarter of the indicators (13 out of 46 indicators). Areas of concern include jobless families, infant mortality, incidence of diabetes and asthma, young people in education, 3-5 year olds in preschool and carbon dioxide emissions.


Top Third Being loved and safe Living with both parents

OECD Rank

Middle Third

OECD Rank

Bottom Third

OECD Rank

8/29

Community safety

13/25 Child abuse deaths

21/29

Having material basics 20 – 24 years of age employed or in education

9/32

Overcrowded homes

9/26

21/31

Youth unemployed

9/34

Educational resource deprivation Internet access

15 – 19 years of age employed or in education 21/34 Jobless families 12/31 Income inequality

26/34

Being healthy Youth smoking Body dissatisfaction (young women)

22/25

Child poverty

16/29

4/28

Low birthweight

13/34 Infant mortality

22/31

2/10

Dental decay

12/31 Incidence of diabetes

14/16

Overweight boys

13/28 Incidence of asthma

14/16

Overweight girls

17/28 Vaccination Pertussis

29/33

Vaccination Measles Vaccination Hep B

19/34

Use of cannabis

14/26

Youth suicide rates

20/33

Deaths (all causes)

19/29

Teenage pregnancy

22/34

Injury deaths

22/34

Learning (Reading Maths Science) Parental literacy activities 2/22 Parental numeracy activities at at preschool preschool Tertiary qualifications

3/25

Maths performance (Year 4)

Reading performance (15 years)

6/34

Maths performance (Year 8) Science performance (Year 8)

11/22

6/15

3 – 5 years of age in early learning or preschool 12/25 15 – 19 years of age in education 8/15 Reading performance (Year 4) 8/15 Science performance (Year 4)

30/34

16/27 Carbon dioxide emissions

29/31

25/31 19/24 18/25

Participation (membership of group) Group membership 5/20 Member of charitable / 4/20 humanitarian group Member of sport or 5/20 cultural association Supportive systems and environment Environmental conditions 1/24 Child costs at home


Identifying and measuring wellbeing Drawing on The Nest consultation of over 3700 young people and families, as well as The Nest Summit (Phase 1), a number of themes emerged within each KRA that were important to children, youth and families. These themes were used as the basis for identifying indicators for the international data comparisons as well as the Australian indicators.

When asked “what is important for children and young people to have a good life?”, responses in The Nest consultation broadly encompassed five main areas ...

Aspects of love, security and safety were most prominent, encompassing family and friends, stability, and connections with others. Related to this were the provision of material basics, such as food and shelter, and money.

Health was noted as important and involved physical health and nutrition as well as mental health and self esteem. Elements of learning were considered important in terms of academic participation and achievement; however, beyond this was a broader belief in the value of self-development for wellbeing. This included having opportunities to participate, to have a voice and be involved in the community.

Sitting across these areas, and noted by the child and youth sectors, was the presence of supportive systems and environments for child and youth wellbeing, such as using joined up services, cohesive strategies and a secure economic and environmental context.

Detailed findings from The Nest consultation are published in the consultation report, available at: thenestproject.org.au/the-consultation


Areas and themes contributing to ‘a good life’

Healthy Healthy eating, exercise, good physical health Happiness, positive outlook

Loved and safe

Self esteem and value

ing

Family, relationships, being surrounded by loved ones

Developing values and morals

Opportunities to grow and develop self

Support networks and services

arn Le

Friends, connections and a social life

Participation in education

Leisure and fun

Safe and stable home environment

Food, water and shelter

Involved in community Freedom and independence

Money and work

Having a voice that is heard

g tin ipa c i t Par

Material basics

Supportive nts systems and environme

The five Key Result Areas (KRAs) were identified by children, youth and families. The themes associated with each KRA form a basis for the indicators included in this report card.


Loved and safe What does being loved and safe mean? Being loved and safe embraces positive family relationships and connections with others, along with personal and community safety. Children and youth who are loved and safe are confident, have a strong sense of selfidentity, and have high self esteem. They form secure attachments, have pro-social peer connections, and positive adult role models or mentors are present in their life.

Conflict with family members is a strong concern for nearly one-quarter of young people. There is a general lack of data on positive family functioning.

Harsh parenting behaviour More than one in 10 parents use harsh parenting practices at least half the time when dealing with their 4-5 year olds.

Children and youth who are loved and safe are resilient: they can withstand life challenges, and respond constructively to setbacks and unanticipated events.

Typically, most young people appear to have essential connections and links with others. The majority of young people reported they have somewhere to turn for advice or support.

KEY

Community safety perceptions are fairly low, though Australia ranks in the middle third of OECD countries for this.

Indigenous data: Data directly comparable with overall population Data not directly comparable with overall population

OECD rankings: Australia ranks in top third of OECD countries

Family conflict and hostility

The number of children in care is rising and the rate is significantly higher for Indigenous children. Indigenous young people are also highly represented in the juvenile justice system.

Australia ranks in middle third of OECD countries Australia ranks in bottom third of OECD countries


Positive peer relationships

Trusted communications with parents and peers

Parental perceptions of neighbourhood characteristics Out-of-home care

Detention of children and youth

Latest measure

% 18-24 yrs with 3 or more friends they can confide in % 11-24 yrs turning to others for advice and support

13% Father

16%

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

16% 67% Turn to friends

86% Turn to parents

n/a

n/a

n/a

23%

n/a

n/a

n/a

80%

n/a

66%

7.3

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

No of children in out-of-home care (per 1000)

19%

In detention / in prison on an average day (per 1000)

26%

13

51.7

n/a

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

% adults feeling unsafe/very unsafe in their local area at night

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

75%

28%

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

% 11-24 yrs concerned with bullying or emotional abuse

Mother

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

% of parents of 4-5 yr old using harsh parenting practices half the time or more

23%

86 86 74 75 63 61 42 39

% 11-24 yrs extremely or very concerned about family conflict

25 Mother Father 20 10 20 29 23 150 15 40 Trend Indigenous data AUS ranking for OECD Mother Father 10 2007 2012 10 30 20 23 16 equivalent indicator 55 25 20 13 16 15 0 20 0 10 2007 2012 10 29 23 150 2003 Father % 11-24 yrs extremely or very 40 Mother 5 10 13 16 20 concerned about family conflict 2007 2012 30 05 23 16 (2011) 15 200 2003 2007 2012 10 10 29 23 50 Mother Father 13 16 68 20 0 2012 2007 25 66 15 2003 20 64 10 15 5 62 25 10 13 16 65 67 Mother Father 68 20 05 20 23 16 60 66 15 0 2003 2006 2010 15 2007 2012 10 64 105 23 16 25 62 5 65 67 13 16 Mother Father 200 2007 2012 60 0 20 15 20062003 2010 15 10 10 23 16 2007 2010 100 255 68 % 11-24 yrs concerned with 50 20 80 13 16 2007 2012 bullying or emotional abuse (2011) 66 15 0 60 10 2003 64 68 40 5 23 16 2007 2010 100 62 66 25 0 65 67 20 80 2007 2012 20 60 640 2006 2010Other Parents Other 15 60 Friends 62 68 relative 65 67 adult 10 40 /friend 60 5 66 23 16 20 2006 2010 25 0 64 2007 2012 20 0 Parents Other Other 62 Friends 15 68 65 67 adult relative 10 2007 /friend 2010 100 60 66 20 5 23 16 2006 2010 80 0 64 15 2007 2012 60 2007 2010 100 62 10 65 67 68 40 % 11-24 yrs turning to friends (2010) 80 5 60 18 19 20 66 2006 2010 20 60 0 15 2006 2010 64 0 40 2010Other 100 Friends2007 Parents Other 10 62 relative adult 20 65 67 80 % 11-24 yrs turning to parents (2010) 68 /friend 5 18 19 60 0 60 Friends Parents Other 66 2006 2010Other 0 relative adult 40 2006 2010 64 2007 /friend 2010 100 20 62 80 65 67 0 20 60 60 Friends Parents Other Other % adults feeling unsafe/ very 2006 2010 relative adult 1540 /friend unsafe in local area at night (2008) 2007 2010 10 100 20 820 5 80 15 18 19 6 0 Friends Parents Other Other /25 0 10 460 relative adult 2006 2010 /friend 40 5 2 6.3 7.3 18 19 20 2007 2010 0100 20 8 0 Children in-out-of-home care 1580 2011 2006 2010 6 0 2008 (per 1000) (2011) 10 Other Other 460 Friends Parents relative adult 5 2 18 19 /friend 2040 6.3 7.3 0 020 15 2006 2010 2008 2011 100 Friends Parents Other Other No. of 10-17 yrs in detention 5 relative 18 19 adult (per 1000) (2011) /friend 20 80 2009 2011 315 2006 2010 6 4 210 8 2 No. of 18-24 yrs in prison 7.3 165 0.46.3 182.5 0.4 19 2.4 00 20 (per 1000) (2009) 2009 2011 2008 2011 3 04 2006 2010 15 18-24 yrs 2 Aged 10-17 6.3 yrs Aged7.3 210 8 in detention in prison 0 1000) (per 1000) 2008 2011 0.4 165 (per 182.5 0.419 2.4 4 00 2 Aged 10-17 2006 18-24 yrs 6.3 yrs Aged2010 7.3 8 0 in detention in prison REPORT CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 9 2008 2011 6 (per 1000) (per 1000) 2009 2011 34

10-17 in detention

0.4

18-24 in prison

2.4

4

26.1

n/a

Material basics What does having material basics mean? Children and youth who have material basics have access to the things they need to live a ‘normal life’. They live in adequate and stable housing, with adequate clothing, healthy food, and clean water, and the materials they need to participate in education and training pathways. The absence of material basics can also be understood as living in poverty. Having material basics is important, because children who experience poverty early in life are at risk of ongoing disadvantage.

KEY Indigenous data: Data directly comparable with overall population Data not directly comparable with overall population

OECD rankings: Australia ranks in top third of OECD countries Australia ranks in middle third of OECD countries

There is a significant minority of Australian families and children who are living in poverty without access to the material basics that are vital to support a healthy and safe life. Over one in six children lived at or below the poverty line in 2010. Rates of deprivation have slightly improved although not for the most disadvantaged groups. Sole parents have the highest rates of deprivation at twice the national average.

Inequality has increased in Australia and we compare very poorly to other OECD countries.

The percentage of young children in jobless families is increasing, and is high when compared to other OCED countries.

Poverty

Deprivation

Income inequality

Parental employment

The unemployment rate for young Australians is increasing at more than double the overall rate. The rate is even higher for young Indigenous Australians. A significant proportion of young people are not involved in education or employment.

Australia ranks in bottom third of OECD countries


Youth unemployment

Latest measure

Less than 50% of % 0-15 yrs in median income relative poverty (less than 50% national median income and less than 60% Less than 60% of median income national median Below 60% of median income income)

17%

Below 50% of median income

26%

30 Mean

Trend Below 60% of median income

30

8 % 4-14 yrs in households that ran out of money for 7.5basic living expenses (2008)

20

7

10

26

0

7.5 7 6.5 6

2.94

Unemployed and seeking work

1.5

Not in education or employment

0.5

100

Under12Age16 Age 65 17-24 9 16 30 30-64 and over yrs

0

2007

0.331

0.303

% 0-14 yrs in jobless families *

1997-98 2007-08

15%

Year by Gini Coefficient

20% 12-24 yrs in 15jobless families * 10 605 13 15 0 50 2008 2010 40 40 30% 15-24 yrs 20 / 20unemployed 54 47 inactive 100 46 32 20 2009 2012 0 15 2000 2009

14

17

0 0–24 yrs homeless (per 1000) 2001 2010 0–24 yrs in crowded/ marginal dwellings (per 1000)

20 15 100 5 10.5 20 0 1510

Unemployed

12% Inactive

16%

10 5

11%

2012

100 0.34 Below 60% of median income 80 0.3 Below 50% of median income 60 0.26 30 40 1997-98 2007-08 20 20 Year 76by Gini Coefficient 93 0 1020 2006 2012 26 17 15 0 60 10 5 13 15 400 2008 2010 0.303

0.331

109.5 59

2010

Deprived of 2 or more items

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

n/a

25 n/a

37

100

5

Absolute deprivation 80 score (2010)

4

n/a

2.9040 20

76

0 50 2006 20 40 15 30 10 85 13 20 0 7.5 2008 10 46 70 20 % 0-14 yrs in jobless families 2000 15 (2009)6.5 7.7 10 10.5 6 5 2006 16 0 10 1997

93

2

1

2012

n/a

45%

3

26/34

15 2010 32 2009 6.6

22/25

2010 11 2007

4 3 3 2 2 1 1

9.5 54

47

16 2009 1997

11 2012 2007

Unemployed and seeking work Not10 in education 9 14 17 or employment

208.5 0 0–24 yrs homeless 2001 2008 2001 2010 (per 1000) 10 0 80 60 40 20 0

2006

16/29

60


Gap between Not in education Deprived of 2 or more items 40low-income or employment 20 35 30households and 25households in the 10 20middle income 9 16 12 16 15 37 (Gini 25 0distribution 10 2007 2012 coefficent) 5 0.34

6.6

Unemployed2006 and 2010 seeking work

201 Sole parents

2010

0.79 0.63

2

6.6

2006

1.44 1.24

1.72

2.5

7.7

2.02 1.72

Age 17-24 yrs

7.7

4 3 3 2 2 1 1


0.331

6.6

Absolute deprivation score

0.26

31%6.5

17

6

1.89 1.95

for households 10 with children 26 17 0aged less than 18 yrs

AUS ranking for OECD equivalent indicator

Below 50% of median income

8

20 deprivation rate

0.3

Indigenous data

0–24 yrs in crowded/ 9 dwellings 16 12(per161000) marginal

2007

2012

% 12-24 yrs in jobless families 9 (2007) 10

9

8.5

35%

2001

2008

0–24 yrs homeless (per 1000)

0–24 yrs in crowded/ % 15-24 yrs unemployedmarginal (2011) dwellings (per 1000)

80 60 100 40 80 57 45 20 % 18-24 yrs inactive 600(2011) 2006 40

9/34

24%

40%20

76

15-19 yrs

21/31

63 53

2011 20-24 yrs 93

9/32

0 2006 2012 57 45REPORT 63 53 CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 11 2006

2011

5

4

3

2

1

Material basics (continued) For young people, access to material basics supports them to make effective transitions to adulthood: they are able to secure housing and live independently, and receive an income that enables them to provide for themselves.

The majority of children have access to the internet at home. This is an increasingly important indicator of material basics and social inclusion.

Internet access

More than a million Australians on low incomes are experiencing housing stress. Housing affordability is one of the biggest social issues facing Australia and is a major factor in the number of families and children who are homeless or living in poverty.

Educational deprivation

Children and youth who are homeless experience significant negative social and health consequences including disrupted schooling, high rates of mental health problems, and engagement in risk-taking behaviours. They also have a significantly increased risk of long-term homelessness.

KEY Indigenous data: Data directly comparable with overall population

Indigenous young people have much higher rates of homelessness and living in overcrowded households.

Data not directly comparable with overall population

OECD rankings: Australia ranks in top third of OECD countries Australia ranks in middle third of OECD countries Australia ranks in bottom third of OECD countries


Stable housing

Housing amenity

Latest measure 2006 2010 Unemployed and seeking work

Not yrs in education % 0-14 Deprived of 1 or more items employment 20 with or access Deprived of 2 or more items 40 35 to internet at 10 30 home * 25 9 16 12 16 200 2007 2012 15 37 25 10 5

93%

100 Below 60% of median income

No. of 15yr olds

0.331

0.303

80Below with50% lessofthan median income 0.34 604 educational 300.3 40possessions (per 20 0.26 201000) 76 93 1997-98 2007-08 10 0 Year by Gini Coefficient 60 26 17 2006 2012 0 40 50 % households

spending more 40 20 than 30% of 30 54 47 gross income on 200housing 2009 2012 10 46 32 0 10.5 2000 2009 2010 No. of 0-24 Unemployed and seeking work 159.5 yrs homeless

or in marginal in education 10 9 Not10 or employment (per 9 20 dwellings 58.5 10,000) 14 17 2001 2008 10 0 9 2001 16 12 2010 16 0 2007 2012 % accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in past year (0-24 yrs)

25 20 15 10 5

37 Trend

25

50

2

80 0.34 Below 50% of median income 60 300.3 40 0.26 20 20 76 93 1997-98 2007-08 10 0 Year by Gini Coefficient 2006 2012 26 17 0 50

40 20 30 15 8 20 10 7.55 10 70 0 6.5 20 6 15

2 1 1 1 4 3 3 2 2 1 1

20 30 8 15 20 10 7.5 105 70 0 6.5 10.5 610 20 159.5

17%

10 9 20 58.5 100

53

47%

32 15 2010 2009 6.6

2006 2010 Unemployed and seeking work Not in education 10 9 or employment 14 2001

17 2008

2007

2012

0–24 yrs homeless (per 1000)

Homeless

Marginal

46 13 2008 2000 7.7

92001 16 12 2010 16

0

63

0–24 yrs in crowded/

100 marginal dwellings (per 1000) 80 80 60 60 40 57 45 63 53 40 20 200 76 93 2006 2011 0 60 2006 2012 40

2006

15 32 2010 2009 6.6

12/31

2010

20 10 Deprived of 1 or more items 15 10 Deprived of 2 or more items 405 14 17 355 16 11 3000 /34 1997 2007 25 2001 2010 20 15 37 25 10 5 0–24 yrs homeless

n/a

21

20 47

0 2012

9%

n/a

n/a

50

n/a40

n/a

30 10 0 10.5

46

32

2000

2009

57% 9

47

2009

2012

% accessing services8.5 aged 0-24 yrs (2012)

10

9

27%

2001

2008

% 15-24 yrs in overcrowded housing (2006)

10 2001

9

n/a

2008

9.5 9

5

4

3

2

1

2

1

1

20

54

8.5

0

0–24 yrs in crowded/

100 marginal dwellings (per 1000) 80 80 60 40 60 57 45 63 53 20 40 0 2006 2011 20 76 93 0 2006 2012

9.5

20

8 06 4 2

(per 1000)

10

housing

2009

13 46 2008 2000 7.7

10.5

% 15-24 yrs

40 in overcrowded

54

n/a

1

10

0 60

2007-08 Indigenous data 1997-98 AUS ranking for OECD Year by Gini equivalent Coefficient indicator

100Below 60% of median income

40

32

0.26

0.3

6.6

0.3

7.7

0.331

6

0.303

6.5

9/26


Healthy What does being healthy mean? Healthy children and youth have their physical, developmental, psychosocial and mental health needs met. They achieve their optimal developmental trajectories. They have access to services which support their optimum growth and development, and have access to preventative measures to redress any emerging health or developmental concerns.

Low birthweight rates for Indigenous Australian infants are significantly higher than non-Indigenous Australians.

Low birthweight

Immunisation It is critical infants are protected against preventable disease early in life. Most children are being vaccinated against major preventable childhood disease, however, not all.

Physical health

A significant proportion of young people are overweight or obese. Many young people are inactive and do not eat recommended levels of fruit and vegetables. One in 10 children do not meet the physical health developmental milestones on entry to school.

KEY Indigenous data: Data directly comparable with overall population

The rate of vulnerability for Indigenous children is more than double that of the general population.

Data not directly comparable with overall population


Poor oral health is an indicator of future health problems. Around two-thirds of 12 year olds are free from dental decay.


Dental health

% live born babies with low birthweight *

1002 6 6 40 0 80 8 Latest measure 20 Trend93 2010 Indigenous data AUS ranking for OECD 93 2000 60 6 100 equivalent indicator 0 40 2011 80 4 2008 93 20 8 2 93 60 6 6 0 40 632 0 2008 2011 Live born babies with low 100 93 93 20 2000 2010 4 birthweight (2010) 80230 0 6 6 2008 2011 60028 /34 28 30 40 2000 2010 32 26 2007 93 932011 20 Hep B 100 30 0 /22 80 2008 2011 32 28 28 30 60 Measles 30 % children at 2 yrs fully immunised 10026 40 /34 2011 32 2007 (2011) 8028 93 93 20 28 30 Pertussis 60300 60 26 /33 50 2008 2011 2011 40 28 2007 40 28 30 93 93 20 32 30 26 0 2007 2011 56 57 20 2011 30 2008 60 % 15-24 yrs overweight or obese 10 (2008) 50 2007 2011 28 40 28 30 60 30 26 /28 2011 50 32 2007 56 57 20 40 30 10 60 2007 2011 30 50 28 56 57 20 32 80 Fruit Vegetables 28 30 40 % 15-24 yrs meet physical activity 10 26 guidelines (2004) 30 2007 2011 60 30 2007 2011 56 57 20 60 40 28 10 28 30 50 2007 2011 20 26 57Fruit6 Vegetables 80 56 5 40 2007 2011 % 1-14 yrs ate at least one serve 0 30 60 fruit daily (2008) 2007 2011 Fruit 56 57 20 40 80 Fruit Vegetables 10 60 2007 2011 20 6050 57 6 56 5 80 0 40 Fruit Vegetables % 1-14y rs ate at least one serve 40 2007 2011 10 30 veg daily (2008) Vegetables 60 60 20 8 20 57 56 575 6 56 50 40 60 4010 2007 2007 2011 2011 4 20 30 80 Fruit 6 Vegetables 57 56 5 20 56 9 57 10 20 60 2007 2011 0 10 8 2007 20092011 40 6 % in first yr with developmental 10 20 4 vulnerability (physical health) 57 6 56 5 8 20 80 Fruit9 Vegetables 6 2007 2011 0 10 60 48 2009 2 40 60 806 Fruit 9Vegetables 0420 57 2009 6 56 5 60 40 % 12 yr olds free from dental 102 0 9 decay (2002) 2007 2011 40 20 80 60 2009 61 20 60 60 57 6 56 5 /31 2002 2007 40 40 2007 2011 2 9 60 0 10 20 REPORT 60 2009 61 CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 15 8 40 0 6 2002 2007 60

6%

12%

% children at 2 yrs fully immunised *

% 5-24 yrs overweight or obese *

% 15-24 yrs with sedentary or low levels of activity

% 5-24 yrs meeting recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake

% children in first year of school with developmental vulnerability (physical health) * % 12 yr olds free from dental decay *

13

11

93%

30% 57%

19

92%

29

37%

13-17

14%

n/a

56%

59%

5%

53%

n/a

22%

n/a

48%

12

9%

61%

Healthy (continued) Mental health is a key aspect of what it means to be healthy. Having good mental health is important for all age groups, including in infancy. In addition to mental health, other risk factors and behaviours help define the picture of the health and wellbeing of children and youth. Preventing ill health and intervening early when illness emerges is important. There is a need to progress more evidence-informed preventative programs, policies and practices for young people.

Suicide rates are low and have been decreasing, however, suicide remains a leading cause of death for young people, second only to motor vehicle accidents. Indigenous rates of psychological distress and suicide are close to three times the general population.

Injury is a leading cause of death among Australian children and youth and most injuries are preventable. Australia compares relatively poorly to other OECD countries in preventing injuries.

Australia fares well when compared to other OECD nations on rates of youth smoking but less favourably for use of illicit drugs.



No directly comparable data is available for OECD countries, however, youth violence in Australia appears to be at the higher end of comparisons relative to measures reported for other countries.

We have a limited understanding of how young people are faring with regard to mental health and social and emotional wellbeing due to a lack of data.


Psychological distress

Suicide

Injury deaths

Teen fertility

Substance use

Youth violence

Social and emotional wellbeing

10 0 5

5 10 2010 5 2007 5 10 2010 2010 2007

6

5

2006

2010

2001

2010

65 5 2007 2001 2006 2001 6

54 4 2010 2010 2010 2010 5

2007 2006 2007 5

2010 2010 2010 4

Social and emotional wellbeing at 8-12 yrs (the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others)

33 0-14 yrs injury deaths (deaths per 100,000) (2010)

800 600 1000 400

22/34

4%

22/34

40% % 18-24 yrs drink at risky levels (2008)

16% * No suitable Indigenous data for drug use

4/28 n/a 14/26

Illicit

Smoke yrs Risky yrs Illicit yrs 2009-10 alcohol 2010-11 drug No 400 daily 2009-10 2010-11 use use 200

0 1000

20/33

711.5

887.4

15-24 yrs suicide rate (deaths per 100,000) (2007)

daily alcohol drug 15 600 use use 1000 2007 2010 20 1000 400 10 800 800 200 15 5600 600 0 7 7 14 15 17 18 400 10-14 15-19 20-24 10 0400 yrs yrs yrs 200 Smoke Risky Illicit 1000 2009-10 5200 daily alcohol 2010-11 drug 0 7 7 14 15 17 18 800 use use 0 10-14 15-19 20-24 15-19 20-24 0600 10-14 yrs yrs yrs 245.5

15–19 years

n/a

% 15-24 yrs smoke daily (2008)

2001 2010 7 7 14 15 17 18 10 10 0 Illicit 6 Smoke Risky 2007 alcohol 2010 drug 20 5 45 daily 7 7 14use 15 17use 18 7 7 14 15 17 18 20 15 60 Smoke5 Risky 4Illicit Risky Illicit 0 Smoke alcohol drug 4 daily 10 daily drug 2001 alcohol use 2010 use use use 2 5 5 4 7 7 14 15 17 18 0 1000 2007 20 2001 2010 2010 0 Risky

31%

% teenage women who gave birth (2010)

4

800 Smoke


% 16-24 yrs with high / very high levels of psychological distress (2008)

15

5

265.1

Rate of offence of acts intended to cause injury per 100,000 population

6 19 2006 6 1997 6 19 2006 2006 1997

754.7

18%

2007

711.5

Illicit drugs

1997

884.7

15%

2011 10

Indigenous data

n/a

754.7 754.7 711.5 711.5

Alcohol risk

2007 19

754.7

7%

2007 12 10 10 2011 2007 12 2007

884.7

Smoke daily

1997 12 19 19 2007 1997 12 1997

938.5

4%

10

265.1 265.1 245.5 245.5

% 14-19 yrs engaged in substance use

5

5 3 6 1 4 2 766 0 544 322 7 0 1 20 50 63 15 41 20 2 20 10 0 15 15 5

19

245.5

% teenage women who gave birth *

10

15 7 20 5 10 3 715 175 510 5 30 3 15 1 70

2011

265.1

0–14 yrs injury deaths * (deaths per 100,000)

200

2007

n/a

measure available in Australia

10-14 15-19 20-24 yrs yrs yrs 2009-10 REPORT 2010-11CARD 245.5

15-24 yrs suicide rate (deaths per 100,000)

12

Trend

938.5 938.5 884.7 884.7

12%

12

265.1

% 18-24 yrs with high / very high levels of psychological distress

5 15 200 20 10 20 15 15 5 15 20 10 10 0 10 15 5 205 105 0 150 50

938.5

Latest measure

The wellbeing of young Australians • 17

Learning – infant and child What does learning mean? Early engagement and participation in learning and education is important for the development of children and youth. Learning is a continuous process throughout life. Children and youth learn through a variety of formal and informal experiences within the classroom and more broadly in their home and in the community. Effective learning and educational attainment is fundamental to future opportunities, both financially and socially.

The majority of Australian children attend an early childhood education and care program in the year before they begin primary school, however, rates are lower than those of other OECD countries.

There is a significant gap in levels of language and cognition developmental vulnerability between Indigenous and nonIndigenous children.

Data directly comparable with overall population Data not directly comparable with overall population

Early childhood developmental vulnerability

Parental engagement in children’s learning

Parental engagement in children’s learning and the home environment are among the most important influences on a child’s learning and development. These measures provide some indication of parental engagement, in the absence of a national parental engagement data set.

KEY Indigenous data:

Early childhood education participation

Australian students are not performing well for Year 4 reading, writing and numeracy when compared to other OECD countries.



Child performance in reading, maths and science

Latest measure

% attending preschool or preschool program before starting school *

0 20 40 1000 20 80 0 60 40 100 80 2020

85%

600 20 40 10 2020

% parents read from book to child 0-2 yrs in past week

% parents often engaging preschool children in literacy and numeracy

Literacy

52% Numeracy

61% % above the TIMSS and PIRLS low benchmark performance in reading, maths and science (Year 4)

Reading

76% Maths

70% Science

71%

2011

72

85

2008

2011 85 9

2011

Indigenous data


n/a

30/34

9 2011 9 2011

200

80%

2008

2008

100

9%

85 2011 85 2011

72

10 0

% children at first year of school with developmental vulnerability (language and cognition) *

72 2008 72 Trend 2008

0

% children with developmental vulnerability (language and cognition) (2009)

2011

10 20

9 100 080 10 2011 100 60 80 100 9 40 60 080 80 80 20 % parents of 4-14 yrs read, told 2011 40 60 story or listened to child read in 0 80 80 20 2008 2011 past week (2008) 40 1000 80 80 20 2008 2011 80 0 2008 2011 60% often engage child in 40early literacy activities 100 % often engage child in % often80 engage child 80 in 20early 80 literacy activities early numeracy % often engageactivities child in 80600% often engage child in early literacy activities 2008 2011 6040early numeracy activities % often engage child in 80 80 80 4020early numeracy activities 60 80 /22 20 0% often 52 engage child 61 40 2008 2011 in 600 early literacy activities 20 52 2011 61 40 % often engage child in 0 /15 20 early numeracy 52 61 activities 2011 child in % often engage 800 activities 60 early literacy 2011 % often engage child in 40 early numeracy activities 20 52 61 80Reading Maths Science 600 80 2011 Reading /24 40Reading Maths Science 75 80Reading52 Maths Science 20 61 76 70 74 0 75 80 71 Maths /25 76 2011 65 70 74 71 75 70 76 76 71 60 6474 65 70Reading Maths n/a n/a 71 Science 7071 55 /25 Science 60 64 65 76 80 2003 2007 2011 71 70 n/a n/a 55 60 64 75 2003 76 n/a n/a200776 2011 55 70Reading74Maths Science 2003 2007 201171 80 65Reading Maths Science 71 70 100 75 60Reading 64 Maths76Science 76 n/a 80 n/a 70 100 55Reading74Maths87 Science 88 2003 2007 201171 60 65 80 100 7187 7088 87 86 84 40 60 64 76 60 80 n/a n/a 88 87 20 55 86 8687 8684 40 60 88 2003n/aMaths 2007 Science 2011 Reading 0 REPORT 87 86 86 20 84 CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 19 40 88 86 2003 2006 2009 100 n/a 0 20

29%

n/a

67%

n/a

2

88

86

86

n/a

6

52%

19

45%

12

47%

18

Learning – youth Children and youth who are learning participate in and experience education that enables them to reach their full potential, and maximise their life opportunities.

When compared to other OECD countries, most Australian 15-year-old students are performing above the OECD averages for reading. Results are slightly lower for maths and science.

Youth performance in reading, maths and science

The majority of Australian youth are participating in education, however, rates of participation are very low for Indigenous youth.

Retention, completion, and participation in education

Australian rates of youth participation in education are below those of many other OECD countries.




80

Latest measure

% at level 2 and above performance in reading, maths and science for 15 year olds

75

Trend

70

74

87% Maths

84%

60 55

n/a

64

71

88% Apparent retention rate Year 7/8 to Year 12 (%) *

2003

2007

70

2011

Reading Maths Science 100 80 40

88

87 86

87

84

20 88 86 86 n/a 0 2003 2006 2009 80

61%

Reading

6/34

60%

Maths

8/15

65%

Science

8/15

80 60

79%

60 40 40 20 20 0 0

Youth participation in education

76

n/a

60 Science


71

65 Reading

Indigenous data

76

School at 17

68% Any study 15-19

80%

73

79

73 2001

79 2011

2001

2011

School participation rate 17 participation yrs (%) School rate 17 yrs yrs enrolled (%) 15–19 in study foryrs a qualification 15–19 enrolled in (%)

Apparent retention rate Year 7/8 to Year 12 (2011)

49%

n/a

% 15-24 yrs currently studying (2008)

41%

100study for a qualification (%) 80 100 % 15-19 yrs enrolled in study for a 60 80 qualification (2008) 40 60 65 77 68 80 20 40 0 65 77 68 80 20 2006/7 2011/12 0 2006/7 2011/12

60%

25/31


Participating What does participating mean? Participating includes involvement with peers and the community, being able to have a voice and say on matters, and, increasingly, access to technology for social connections. In practice, participating means children and youth are listened to, are supported in expressing their views, their views are taken into account and they are involved in decisionmaking processes that affect them. It is noted there is a general lack of data on children’s participation with available data mainly focused on the 18-25 age range. Much more work is needed to identify indicators and data sources that adequately reflect this KRA.

Many young people don’t feel they are able to have their say within the community all of the time.

Feeling able to have a say

Not all eligible young people are enrolled to vote. Young people’s registration to vote is the only available measure of civic participation. Engagement in voting is an important mechanism available to young people to express their opinion and influence decision making.

Voting enrolment

Engagement through technology

Young people are involved in sporting activities at higher rates than their involvement in cultural activities. Australia fares well on involvement rates in comparison to other OECD countries.




Involvement in sporting, cultural and social activities and groups

Latest measure

% 18-24 yrs feel able to have a say among family and friends on important issues all or most of the time % 18-24 yrs feel able to have a say within community on important issues all or most of the time

85%

60 20 64 33 Cultural 60 35 400Sporting 80 2006 2012 20 Trend 85 85 100 600 80 2006 2010 40 60 20 100 100 60 35 40 64 33 800 80 20 30 85 85 2006 2012 600 60 20 40 40 20 20 10 0 800 0 60 40 30

21%

20

20 0 80

10 60 40 30 0 20

% 18-25 yrs enrolled to vote

% 18-24 yrs spent time in Internet social activity in past 3 months

73% 73%

% 5-14 yrs having a mobile phone 5-14 yrs

29% % 5-14 yrs involved in organised sporting / cultural activity in past year

% 18-24 yrs participated in groups in past year

Sporting

60% Cultural

35% Social

Community

80 0 100

11%

26 2006 2006 2006

2010

21 2010 2010 2010

672006 63 302010 32 11 11 Social

Community support

Civic and political

26

21

2006

2010

100 2008 2012 80 80 20 37 73 60 400 100 100 2006 2010 20 82 73 80 20 80 64 33 60 35 0 60 600 2009 20082012 2012 80 40 2006 2012 40 Cultural 20Sporting82 73 20 60 82 73 0 800 2008 2012 40 2008 2012 60 20 40 220092 23 22 76 73 2012 80 20 0 64yrs 33 60 35 Sporting Cultural 5-8 9-11 yrs 12-14 60 800 yrs 2006 2012 40 60 Sporting Cultural 2006 2010 Cultural 40Sporting 20 80 80 2 2 23 22 76 73 80 20 0 60 64 33 35 60 5-8 yrs 9-11 yrs6012-14 60 0 40 yrs 2006 2012 40 40 20 20 20 6463 33 3330 3260 60 1135 3511 6764 00 0 Social Civic and 2006Community2012 2012 2006 2006 support 2010 political 80 60

Civic/political

2006

2010 85 85

20 67 63 30 32 11 11 0 Social 100 Community Civic and 30 30 10 80 support political 26 21 100 60 20 20 0 40 80 2006 2010 20 10 82 73 10 600 26 21 26 21 2008 2012 0 0 40 2006 2010 2006 2010 100 100 20 37 73 80 80 600 40 60 2006 2010 20 73 400Sporting82 Cultural

63% 32%

2006 85 85

Indigenous data


n/a

n/a

% 15-24 yrs feel able to have say in community most or all of time (2008)

17%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

% 4-14 yrs involved in sporting, social or community activities in past year (2008)

94%

5/20

40 20 60

80

672006 63 302010 32 11 11 Social

Community support

Civic and political

40 2006 2006 2010 2010 80 80 60 20 60 67 63 30 32 11 11 60 40 0 40 Social Community Civic and 40 20 37 support 73political 20 20 100 67 63 63 30 30 32 32 11 11 11 11 0 67 0 0

80 60

40 100

Social Civic Social Community Civic and and 2006Community 2010 support political support political

% 15-24 yrs involved in sporting, social or community activities in past year (2008)

93%

5/20


Supportive systems and environments A supportive service system for children and youth focuses on achievement of outcomes based on a common agenda, use of best available evidence in achieving these outcomes, using a shared measurement system to measure impact, collaboration through mutually reinforcing activities, and a focus on prevention, as well as ensuring ready access to treatment. The wider social, cultural, and physical environment in which children and youth develop is a major determinant for their current and future wellbeing. However, more work needs to be undertaken to adequately measure the impact of these influences.



While most young people are able to receive support when they really need it, access to services remains an issue for a significant proportion of young people. The importance of investment in child development in the early years is well documented. While parents are the key influence, early learning centres also benefit children and families. Systemic barriers such as availability and cost of childcare may prevent greater access to services. The quality of the physical environment is a critical determinant of the wellbeing of current and future generations, and is one of the important issues of concern to young people.

Service access

Childcare system

Environmental issues

Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions have risen in the last decade, and are ranked almost last compared to OECD countries on this measure.

Service systems driven by common goals and sound evidence of ‘what works’ will better meet the needs of young people and make better use of available funds. Development of these indicators will drive common efforts, assist agencies to measure their impact against common goals and ultimately lead to improved outcomes.


Quality service systems

Latest measure

% 18-24 yrs had difficulty accessing support services

% parents of 0-12 yrs currently requiring additional preschool or formal care Median usual weekly cost of childcare ($)

CO2 emissions per capita (tonnes / person)

27%

6%

46

19

10 20 30 0 10 20 10 30 08 10 6 20 104 0 2 108 0 6 10 04 8 2 6 100 4 2 508 0 406 10 304 8 2 20 50 6 0 10 40 4 300 502 20 400 10 30 0 50 20 20 40 10 30 15 0 50 20 10 40 10 20 3005 15 200 20 10 10 15 05 100 20

% 11-24 yrs rating the environment as one of the most important issues facing Australia

18%

Number of child / youth / family services using a common framework to measure impact Number of agencies using best available evidence to guide practice, programs and policy

5 15 25 0 10 20 15 5 15 10 05 25 10 200 5 15 25 10 0 205 150 10 25 5 20 0 15 10 25 5 20 0 15 10 5 0

23

27

2006 23

2010 27

2006

2010

23

27

3 2006

6 2010

Trend

23 2008 2006 3

27 2011 2010 6

2008 3

2011 6

2008

2011

3

6

35 2008

46 2011

2008 3

2011 6

2008 35

2011 46

2008 35

2011 46

2008

2011

35 17 2008 1997 35

46 19 2011 2007 46

17 2008

19 2011

1997 17

2007 19

1997

2007

17

19

23 1997

18 2007

2007 17

2012 19

1997 23

2007 18

2007

2012

23

18

2007

2012

23

18

2007

2012

23 2007

18

Indigenous data


% 15-24 yrs able to get support in time of crisis outside the household (2008)

88%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

16/27

n/a

29/31

% 11-24 yrs rating environment as one of most important issues facing Australia (2011)

14%

n/a

No data collected in Australia

No data collected in Australia

REPORT CARD The wellbeing of young Australians • 25 2012

Report Card summary: Professor Fiona Stanley, AC I have built my working life on the principle that if we want to change – to improve – we need to measure and report on the things we believe are most important for a successful Australian society. Few would disagree that one of the most important of these are the environments we can influence to help parents and others ensure our children have the opportunity to be healthy and to develop well. Following on from the influential first Report Card, produced by ARACY in 2008, the second Report Card brings together up-to-date data, comparing us to the best in the world, and highlighting areas that need our urgent attention. This report card also includes valuable input from young people themselves, compiled through The Nest project, which underlines the health and wellbeing issues they want to be acknowledged, and addressed. Are we getting better? The second Report Card tells us we have improved in some parameters. It is great to see fewer youth in Australia smoking and more employed. However, in only 26% of the indicators was Australia in the top third of the OECD countries. This means for more than 74% of them, we were in the middle or below. The 28% of indicators where we are in the bottom third, compared with other countries, are ones that are of considerable concern, as they have lifelong impacts. I am alarmed that, in spite of opportunities, we are in the lowest third for whooping cough vaccination! Do we need an epidemic to frighten parents into vaccinating? Teenage pregnancy is falling but falling faster in other countries. The data under the Learning KRA shows we must really take a serious look at early childhood education and our science and maths outcomes in school. Why are fewer Australian youth, particularly young Aboriginal people, completing school compared with other jurisdictions? Looking behind the data, are the rising rates of inequalities across Australian society driving the negatives and dulling the positives? Where is our fair go? This is a wake-up call for us as a nation, to stop being complacent. We must work together to resolve these issues. The needs of our children and youth are well beyond the capacity of any one government to address. Federal, state and local governments, along with business, schools, health systems, non-government agencies, parents, the general community, as well as young people, will make a difference if we work together toward a shared agenda. This collective action, enabled through an evidence-based national plan, is essential if we are to turn the curve on child and youth wellbeing in Australia. Thank you ARACY for delivering another important report card grounded in measurable data. We celebrate our children doing well and delight in that. But we want more for our kids – and the second Report Card is a great way to start influencing positive change.


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