Key Inquiry Question 4:
What Are the Opportunities for Improving and Promoting Young People’s Health?
In this key inquiry question, you’ll explore the ways individuals, communities, organisations and governments work to improve health outcomes – especially for young people. You’ll learn about advocacy and health promotion, discover how large-scale policies (like the UN Sustainable Development Goals) connect to local health initiatives, and examine the strategies used to create positive change in schools, families and communities. This inquiry will help you see how your own actions, and the actions of others, can make a meaningful difference.
4.1 – Examine how young people advocate for their own and others’ health
You’ll begin by looking at how young people themselves are advocating for their own health and other’s health. Advocacy involves speaking up, taking action, and pushing for change on issues that matter. You’ll explore real-life examples of youth-led campaigns and reflect on how young people can shape a healthier future.
4.2 – Discuss how organisations and communities advocate for the health of young people
Next, you’ll investigate how organisations and communities promote the health of young people. You’ll explore the role of schools, local councils, youth services, and both government and non-government organisations in supporting health. You’ll also consider how these organisations work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver culturally appropriate and effective programs.
4.3 – Explain the nature of health promotion in Australia
From there, you’ll zoom out to look at the nature of health promotion in Australia. You’ll learn about the different approaches to health and how they’ve shaped policy and practice. You’ll also explore global influences, including how health promotion in Australia has been shaped by international policies (like the Ottawa Charter). You’ll see how working in partnership with communities leads to more effective and inclusive health outcomes.
4.4 – Examine how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being used to improve health
Finally, you’ll examine how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being used to improve health around the world and here in Australia. You’ll explore how these 17 global goals relate to health promotion, and how they’re being applied at a local level to improve the lives of young people.
By completing this key inquiry question, you’ll understand the many ways health can be improved – through personal action, community leadership, national strategies, and global partnerships. You’ll gain a stronger sense of how young people can be part of driving positive change and promoting a healthier, fairer world.