We aim to:
- engage diverse young people,
- identify and build an evidence base to understand emerging health and social issues,
- determine the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve young people’s health.
We conduct quantitative, qualitative, and content analysis research methods to understand emerging health threats. We engage with diverse young people using techniques from design and participatory research to understand opportunities to improve health and wellbeing. We develop and evaluate new interventions to educate, change behaviour, and improve health outcomes. We advocate for evidence-based policy and practice change. Our focus is on young people experiencing disadvantage, particularly in the areas of sexual health, mental health, and alcohol and other drug use.
The Young People’s Health group has used research to impact health and wellbeing through:
- deliver education to young people about sex, relationships and pornography
- influence policy around emerging issues such as sexting, online pornography, and social media alcohol advertising.
- Worked with young people to better understand how they want to engage in research and health promotion
- Give young people a voice to power by sharing their concerns and priorities about health and society.
Associate Professor Megan SC Lim
Megan is Deputy Program Director (Behaviours and Health Risks) at Burnet Institute and leads the Young People’s Health research group. Her primary area of interest is understanding how digital media impact on public health. She has led trials using these technologies (e.g. mobile phones, smartphone apps, and social media) for health promotion and behaviour change.
Working
Group
Meet the working group. Together, we are translating research into better health, for all.
Projects
The Gist: A pornography education program to improve sexual health and wellbeing in marginalised young people
PROJECT
