Discussion
Goal Improve the healthy development, health, safety, and well-being of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Overview Adolescents (ages 10 to 17) and young adults (ages 18 to 25) make up 22% of the United States population. 1 The behavioral patterns established during these developmental periods help determine young people’s current health status and their risk for developing chronic diseases during adulthood. 2 Although adolescence and young adulthood are generally healthy times of life, some important health and social problems either start or peak during these years. 3 Examples include: Mental disorders Substance use Smoking/nicotine use Nutrition and weight conditions Sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Teen and unintended pregnancies Homelessness Academic problems and dropping out of school Homicide Suicide Motor vehicle collisions Because they are in developmental transition, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are particularly sensitive to influences from their social environments. 4 Their families, peer groups, schools, and neighborhoods can either support or threaten young people’s health and well-being. 5 Societal policies and cues, such as structural racism and media messages, can do the same. 5 Older adolescents and young adults, including those with chronic health conditions, may face challenges as they transition from the child to the adult health care system, such as changes in their insurance coverage and legal status and decreased attention to their developmental and behavioral needs. 6 Bolstering the positive development of young people facilitates their adoption of healthy behaviors and helps ensure a healthy and productive adult population. 7 , 8
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