Youth is a key transition period in a person’s life. It is a time when decisions are made about relationships, education and career paths, employment and finances. The social, economic, environmental and technological changes that have occurred in recent decades mean that young people now face issues that previous generations may not have experienced.
Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may face additional obstacles in making a successful transition to adulthood. The effect of inter-generational trauma, racism and prejudice, and socioeconomic disadvantage are all relevant in understanding the experiences of young Indigenous people today.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent and youth health and wellbeing report was produced by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare with input from an expert advisory group and young Indigenous people. It provides a comprehensive information on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth.
Young Indigenous people
A total of 241,824 Indigenous people aged 10–24 lived in Australia in 2016, representing 5% of the total Australian youth population. Most young Indigenous people lived in non-remote areas of Australia, including Major cities and Inner and outer regional areas. Indigenous youth, however, represented a greater proportion of the total youth population that lived in less urban areas, such as Remote and Very remote areas of the country.