Adolescence is a time of significant developmental transition that is considered to be second only to infancy in the magnitude of changes that occur.

Adolescents experience numerous developmental challenges at varying pace, including: increasing need for independence; evolving sexuality; transitioning through education and commencing employment; consolidating advanced cognitive abilities; and negotiating changing relationships with family, peers and broader social connections. The adolescent period is also marked by increased involvement in risk behaviours that may predispose young people to poor long-term outcomes. Many of these risk behaviours are relatively transitory in nature and are resolved by the beginning of adulthood. However, there is increasing evidence of the significant level of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, substance misuse and suicidal thoughts that are experienced by some Australian adolescents.