Adolescence is a time of physical, emotional and social change. Unfortunately, for some youth, the choices that they make can put them at high risk of injury, disease and death.

Recent studies indicate that adolescent's perception of their health appears to be closely linked with how likely they will make healthy or unhealthy choices.

• Obesity, daily smoking, inactivity and episodic heavy drinking are associated with less favourable self-perceived health among adolescents.
• At ages 15 to 17 years, girls are less likely than boys to report very good or excellent health.
• Almost 30 per cent of adolescents failed to rate their health as very good or excellent.

If feeling unhealthy leads to poor decision-making, how can adults working with and caring for youth help to improve their health and reduce unhealthy behaviours?

Parents, teachers and youth service providers are in a unique position to help youth gain the skills they need to live long, healthy lives. An important first step is to ensure that youth are engaged in the process. Youth engagement is a process, which actively creates opportunities for young people to participate. It allows their voices be heard and encourages them to connect in meaningful ways within their communities. Youth engagement means viewing youth as valuable assets with a potential for great contributions to their communities. By engaging in positive community participation, young people develop life skills that will help them to make a successful and healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood.

For more information about Youth Engagement, contact:
Students Commission
Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement