Providing knowledge, skills and motivation to foster physical and mental health. Training in life skills to provide protective knowledge and enhance skills in decision-making and building personal relationships. Teaching life skills helps students learn how to resist pressures to engage in high-risk behaviours, and minimise harm from risky behaviours. Providing social support services means youth can access help as required, and provides a healthy alternative to hazardous substance use.
The resilience of young people by can be supported by programmes concerning, for example: nutrition; eye-hand coordination; literacy; numeracy; life skills; goal setting; stress-management; self-esteem; meditation; yoga, tai chi; exercise and sport; financial management; cooperative group skills; communication skills; relationship building; sexual health; sexuality issues; anger management; counselling; alcohol and other drugs harm reduction.
Targeted education and preventative programmes can be very effective in early adolescence. Programmes such as: Human sexuality and reproduction can prevent unintended pregnancy and promote sexual health, and prepare adolescents for the realities of raising a child; Prevention of hazardous substance use can educate in relation to legal and illicit drugs, and enhance personal and social competence and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Health services for young people need to be expanded by the development of youth specific programmes and appropriate services. Achieving positive health and well-being of our youth and adolescents will require a community-wide commitment. They require the protection and support of families, friends and education and health professionals and adults trained to work with youth.