Issues of concern: Needs (SHESEAS)

Due to the nature of the experimentation, risk taking and self-esteem encounters youth have, safety and security is a significant need for them. Safety can be in the form of making informed positive choices about their health and wellbeing especially when youth are given much more independence than when they were a child. Eg: parties, alcohols, drugs, online media, driving etc

Youth have a number of different health needs that they are impacted by at this stage of the lifespan, due to significant growth and adolescent changes through puberty. These changes may bring about issues relating to self-esteem and confidence. Injuries and fall may also be common due to activity in sports. Their engagement in risk taking activities such as  experimenting in drinking, drugs and unprotected sexual activity can also cause health issues for youth. 

The need of education is significant for youth at this age of life because of the continuation of learning new knowledge and skills necessary to gain through schooling as the building blocks of their future. By law youth are required to be enrolled in high school until 17 unless engaged in TAFE or work. Many youth may begin one course in further education and possibly make multiple changes throughout their time. 

Youth crave feelings of belonging in this stage of life and sense of identity forms a significant need for them. At some points the sense of identity of youth may be impacted negatively by issues like bullying and harassment. SOID may also be impacted by the clothing, music, trends that youth engage with. It is imperative that youth surround themselves by people who support them and lift them up.

Employment for youth in the early years may come from doing chores around the house and helping out. Upon reaching legal age of employment, many youth find part time/casual work in workplaces such as Coles, Woollies, KFC, McDonald's. Employment may assist meeting needs and desires, running cars, rent or possibly even a mortgage. This employment provides youth with skills that they can develop over time to gain confidence and responsibility. 

In the early stages of youth, parents and carers will be responsible for the adequate standard of living of their young people by providing them with a clean, safe and secure home; fresh nutritious food; plenty of clean water; as well as a loving environment for them to grow up in. It is important that parents and carers show youth how to maintain a household by demonstrating cooking and cleaning skills. Youth may rely on rent assistance or refuges to provide them with adequate shelter.