Information for Researchers

Methodology of YMOF

Young Minds: Our Future, the Third Australian Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing uses a cross-sectional household survey methodology. Families of children aged 4-17 will be recruited from pre-determined statistical areas across all States and Territories across Australia.

We will interview 6500 parents from across Australia in their homes, which will take an average of 1 hour.

We will also invite around 3000 adolescents to complete a survey online which will take 30 minutes on average.

Researchers wishing to collaborate prior to this may contact Young Minds Project Team at youngmind@curtin.edu.au

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Data Collected

Data will be gathered on a range of topics including diagnostic data on the prevalence of common mental disorders including;

child and adolescent mental health disorders
mental wellbeing
self-harm
suicidal behaviours
bullying
problem eating behaviours
substance abuse
online addictive behaviours
health service use
positive childhood experiences

Data collection will begin in late-2025 with results expected to be released in early 2027. Data will be available for use by other researchers after the conclusion of the project.

Researcher FAQs

Still have questions about YMOF?

Yes, researchers can apply to access the data once it’s available — but only de-identified data will be shared. This is called Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURF).

CURF will be available in late 2027.

You will need to follow an application process and agree to terms that protect participants’ privacy and data security. We will release more information about this in early 2027.