Dr Glasson said the lessons learned about health in teenage years can stay with a person throughout life.

“As a community, we have to help our kids with their health education very early in their development,” Dr Glasson said.

“A good start is to get the Government to scrap legislative amendments that would give parents access to their children’s medical records up to the age of 16.

“The existing legislation gives young people access to confidential consultations with their doctor from the age of 14 and that’s how it should be.

“For many young people, developing independence and self reliance is achieved with relative safety, but for some, their early teenage years of exploration and growth can involve high risk behaviour.

“Eating disorders, alcohol and other drug abuse, unsafe sexual practices, use of tobacco and mental health issues affect many young people under 16 years of age.

“Young people should have the same respect, rights and responsibilities as older people.

“If a young person is able to make decisions regarding medical treatment, and wants that treatment to remain confidential, then their doctor must respect and maintain that confidentiality.

“By giving young people access to their own Medicare cards and appropriate and confidential health services, we are encouraging them to take responsibility for their health.

“Any changes to the legislation which limit young people’s access to confidential consultations with their doctor are poor health policy and poor social policy.

“More needs to be done about tobacco control, obesity and drug and alcohol abuse – all issues which have a big impact on the health of young Australians.

“Too many Australian kids and teenagers, especially young girls, are taking up smoking despite the warnings.

“Childhood and adolescent obesity has trebled over the last decade.

“We need to see youth health policies that will help our kids gain health management independence and confidence,” Dr Glasson said.

The AMA’s Key Health Issues for the 2004 Election outlines public health concerns for young people (see attached) and is available at http://www.ama.com.au.