SmarterEd

Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd

HMS, HIC 2016 HSC 27b

Evaluate government strategies or actions that target major health issues affecting young people.   (12 marks)

Show Answers Only

Evaluation Statement

  • Government strategies targeting youth health issues prove moderately effective in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
  • Effectiveness varies significantly based on accessibility, implementation consistency and community engagement levels across different regions.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

  • Youth mental health funding achieves substantial health improvements through Headspace centres providing accessible counselling and psychiatric services for young people aged 12-25 years. These government-funded facilities offer free support with reduced waiting times compared to traditional mental health services.
  • Evidence supporting health impact includes measurable reductions in youth suicide rates and decreased mental health-related emergency department presentations in areas with Headspace coverage. The program demonstrates strong health outcomes through almost three-quarters of clients showing improved mental wellbeing scores and reduced psychological distress following treatment interventions.
  • However, significant health disparities persist in rural and remote areas where youth suicide rates remain elevated due to inadequate service coverage. Geographic inequities create substantial mental health outcome differences between metropolitan and regional young people.
  • School-based programs like KidsMatter show inconsistent health impacts with variable depression and anxiety reduction rates across different educational systems.

Substance Abuse Prevention Effectiveness

  • Drug education programs produce limited health impact with traditional approaches failing to achieve substantial reductions in youth substance use rates. Government initiatives show minimal influence on binge drinking behaviours and cannabis experimentation among target age groups.
  • Conversely, harm reduction strategies demonstrate better health outcomes through reduced drug-related hospitalisations and decreased overdose incidents among program participants.
  • Road safety campaigns prove highly effective for health improvement through graduated licensing systems reducing youth road fatalities by 40% since implementation. These legislative measures significantly decrease serious injury rates and trauma-related disabilities among young drivers through evidence-based policy interventions.

Final Evaluation

  • Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with strongest outcomes in legislative approaches.
  • Weakest results occur in education-based interventions requiring sustained community engagement and consistent implementation.

Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

  • Government strategies targeting youth health issues prove moderately effective in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
  • Effectiveness varies significantly based on accessibility, implementation consistency and community engagement levels across different regions.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

  • Youth mental health funding achieves substantial health improvements through Headspace centres providing accessible counselling and psychiatric services for young people aged 12-25 years. These government-funded facilities offer free support with reduced waiting times compared to traditional mental health services.
  • Evidence supporting health impact includes measurable reductions in youth suicide rates and decreased mental health-related emergency department presentations in areas with Headspace coverage. The program demonstrates strong health outcomes through almost three-quarters of clients showing improved mental wellbeing scores and reduced psychological distress following treatment interventions.
  • However, significant health disparities persist in rural and remote areas where youth suicide rates remain elevated due to inadequate service coverage. Geographic inequities create substantial mental health outcome differences between metropolitan and regional young people.
  • School-based programs like KidsMatter show inconsistent health impacts with variable depression and anxiety reduction rates across different educational systems.

Substance Abuse Prevention Effectiveness

  • Drug education programs produce limited health impact with traditional approaches failing to achieve substantial reductions in youth substance use rates. Government initiatives show minimal influence on binge drinking behaviours and cannabis experimentation among target age groups.
  • Conversely, harm reduction strategies demonstrate better health outcomes through reduced drug-related hospitalisations and decreased overdose incidents among program participants.
  • Road safety campaigns prove highly effective for health improvement through graduated licensing systems reducing youth road fatalities by 40% since implementation. These legislative measures significantly decrease serious injury rates and trauma-related disabilities among young drivers through evidence-based policy interventions.

Final Evaluation

  • Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with strongest outcomes in legislative approaches.
  • Weakest results occur in education-based interventions requiring sustained community engagement and consistent implementation.

♦♦ Mean mark 49%.

HMS, HIC 2017 HSC 31a

Explain how enabling, mediating and advocating actions can make sustainable improvements for disadvantaged groups.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • Enabling actions directly empower disadvantaged groups to take control over factors affecting their health outcomes. These approaches work by building community capacity and addressing equity principles of participation and access. Empowerment becomes essential because disadvantaged groups often lack decision-making power in traditional healthcare models. For instance, when Aboriginal health workers deliver culturally appropriate health education within their communities, participation rates increase significantly. This demonstrates why community-led initiatives create sustainable change by ensuring equal access to health information and respecting cultural rights.
  • Mediating actions create collaborative partnerships that address power imbalances between different sectors. The process involves bringing together government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organisations to ensure disadvantaged voices are heard in decision-making. Empowerment occurs through shared responsibility and resource allocation. Evidence of this includes the Close the Gap campaign which provides Indigenous communities with equal participation in policy development. Such collaboration leads to more effective resource allocation because disadvantaged groups help identify their specific needs and priorities.
  • Advocating actions generate systemic policy changes that challenge structural inequities and redistribute power. Advocacy works by amplifying disadvantaged voices to demand equal rights and access to healthcare services. Empowerment becomes sustainable when advocacy creates lasting policy frameworks that protect vulnerable populations. A clear example is disability advocacy organisations successfully campaigning for legislative changes in healthcare accessibility. These efforts result in permanent improvements to equity because they address root causes of disadvantage rather than temporary symptom management.
Show Worked Solution
  • Enabling actions directly empower disadvantaged groups to take control over factors affecting their health outcomes. These approaches work by building community capacity and addressing equity principles of participation and access. Empowerment becomes essential because disadvantaged groups often lack decision-making power in traditional healthcare models. For instance, when Aboriginal health workers deliver culturally appropriate health education within their communities, participation rates increase significantly. This demonstrates why community-led initiatives create sustainable change by ensuring equal access to health information and respecting cultural rights.
  • Mediating actions create collaborative partnerships that address power imbalances between different sectors. The process involves bringing together government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organisations to ensure disadvantaged voices are heard in decision-making. Empowerment occurs through shared responsibility and resource allocation. Evidence of this includes the Close the Gap campaign which provides Indigenous communities with equal participation in policy development. Such collaboration leads to more effective resource allocation because disadvantaged groups help identify their specific needs and priorities.
  • Advocating actions generate systemic policy changes that challenge structural inequities and redistribute power. Advocacy works by amplifying disadvantaged voices to demand equal rights and access to healthcare services. Empowerment becomes sustainable when advocacy creates lasting policy frameworks that protect vulnerable populations. A clear example is disability advocacy organisations successfully campaigning for legislative changes in healthcare accessibility. These efforts result in permanent improvements to equity because they address root causes of disadvantage rather than temporary symptom management.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.

HMS, HIC 2019 HSC 32a

  1. Why are health promotion strategies more effective when they focus on skills, education and prevention?   (4 marks)

  2. Explain how intersectoral collaboration has increased the potential for success of ONE health promotion strategy for a population group experiencing inequity.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

i.    Sample Answer

  • Skills development enables individuals to make informed health decisions throughout their lives. This occurs because teaching practical skills like reading food labels empowers people to choose healthier options independently. For example, cooking skills help young people prepare nutritious meals rather than relying on processed foods.
  • Education increases health literacy and understanding of risk factors affecting wellbeing. This leads to better decision-making about lifestyle choices. Health education programs in schools teach students about the effects of substance use, enabling them to make informed choices about alcohol, smoking and drugs.
  • Prevention strategies are more cost-effective than treating diseases after they develop. This happens because preventing chronic conditions like diabetes costs less than ongoing medical treatment. Prevention programs focus on addressing risk factors early, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving quality of life.

ii.   Sample Answer

  • The National Tobacco Strategy demonstrates effective intersectoral collaboration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Commonwealth, state and territory governments work together with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to reduce smoking rates.
  • Government legislation creates supportive policy environments through plain packaging laws and increased tobacco taxation. This combines with community-based smoking cessation programs delivered by Aboriginal health workers in local communities using culturally appropriate approachess.
  • This collaboration increases success potential because it addresses multiple levels simultaneously. Policy changes reduce tobacco appeal while community programs provide culturally safe support and education. The combined approach leads to greater smoking reduction than individual strategies working alone.

Show Worked Solution

i.    Sample Answer

  • Skills development enables individuals to make informed health decisions throughout their lives. This occurs because teaching practical skills like reading food labels empowers people to choose healthier options independently. For example, cooking skills help young people prepare nutritious meals rather than relying on processed foods.
  • Education increases health literacy and understanding of risk factors affecting wellbeing. This leads to better decision-making about lifestyle choices. Health education programs in schools teach students about the effects of substance use, enabling them to make informed choices about alcohol, smoking and drugs.
  • Prevention strategies are more cost-effective than treating diseases after they develop. This happens because preventing chronic conditions like diabetes costs less than ongoing medical treatment. Prevention programs focus on addressing risk factors early, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving quality of life.

ii.   Sample Answer

  • The National Tobacco Strategy demonstrates effective intersectoral collaboration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Commonwealth, state and territory governments work together with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to reduce smoking rates.
  • Government legislation creates supportive policy environments through plain packaging laws and increased tobacco taxation. This combines with community-based smoking cessation programs delivered by Aboriginal health workers in local communities using culturally appropriate approachess.
  • This collaboration increases success potential because it addresses multiple levels simultaneously. Policy changes reduce tobacco appeal while community programs provide culturally safe support and education. The combined approach leads to greater smoking reduction than individual strategies working alone.

♦♦♦ Mean mark 42%.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 092

Assess the challenges and opportunities for young people advocating for health issues within their communities.

In your response, consider past approaches, current methods, and future directions.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

Judgment Statement

  • Youth health advocacy shows moderately successful outcomes with significant potential for improvement.
  • This assessment is based on platform accessibility evolution and the effectiveness in achieving policy change.

Platform Accessibility Evolution

  • Past advocacy methods demonstrated limited reach through traditional school councils and formal submissions.
  • Evidence indicates SRCs positioned youth as passive recipients rather than active contributors.
  • Current digital platforms provide opportunities for considerable expansion in reach, enabling the organisation of large events such as global climate-health demonstrations.
  • However, digital divides can prevent marginalised groups like rural and low-income youth from accessing these advocacy platforms.
  • Overall, the digital platform evolution demonstrates substantial improvements for advocacy while highlighting persistent accessibility gaps.

Policy Change Effectiveness

  • Youth advocacy shows minimal impact on policy decisions through past approaches.
  • Traditional methods produced limited results as adult decision-makers controlled implementation.
  • Current approaches achieve moderate success through viral campaigns raising awareness.
  • The combination of youth advocacy and institutional support is an area of great opportunity, as demonstrated by CYDA’s LivedX and The National Youth Disability Summit.
  • This indicates significant improvement in the effectiveness of youth advocacy is possible through hybrid models.

Overall Assessment

  • When all factors are considered, youth advocacy proves moderately successful with a clear growth trajectory.
  • Past limitations in both access and impact show marked improvement through digital evolution.
  • This assessment shows that future hybrid models combining authentic youth voice with institutional frameworks offer highly valuable opportunities.
  • On balance, challenges remain significant but opportunities increasingly outweigh barriers.
  • Implications suggest investing in collaborative approaches will maximise youth advocacy effectiveness.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Youth health advocacy shows moderately successful outcomes with significant potential for improvement.
  • This assessment is based on platform accessibility evolution and the effectiveness in achieving policy change.

Platform Accessibility Evolution

  • Past advocacy methods demonstrated limited reach through traditional school councils and formal submissions.
  • Evidence indicates SRCs positioned youth as passive recipients rather than active contributors.
  • Current digital platforms provide opportunities for considerable expansion in reach, enabling the organisation of large events such as global climate-health demonstrations.
  • However, digital divides can prevent marginalised groups like rural and low-income youth from accessing these advocacy platforms.
  • Overall, the digital platform evolution demonstrates substantial improvements for advocacy while highlighting persistent accessibility gaps.

Policy Change Effectiveness

  • Youth advocacy shows minimal impact on policy decisions through past approaches.
  • Traditional methods produced limited results as adult decision-makers controlled implementation.
  • Current approaches achieve moderate success through viral campaigns raising awareness.
  • The combination of youth advocacy and institutional support is an area of great opportunity, as demonstrated by CYDA’s LivedX and The National Youth Disability Summit.
  • This indicates significant improvement in the effectiveness of youth advocacy is possible through hybrid models.

Overall Assessment

  • When all factors are considered, youth advocacy proves moderately successful with a clear growth trajectory.
  • Past limitations in both access and impact show marked improvement through digital evolution.
  • This assessment shows that future hybrid models combining authentic youth voice with institutional frameworks offer highly valuable opportunities.
  • On balance, challenges remain significant but opportunities increasingly outweigh barriers.
  • Implications suggest investing in collaborative approaches will maximise youth advocacy effectiveness.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 090

With reference to Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) and ONE other example, explain how the methods used by young people to advocate for their health have evolved over time.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Young people’s health advocacy has evolved from formal representation to direct participation because technology and social attitudes have transformed communication.
  • This has evolved due to organisations recognising young people’s ability to self-advocate. As a result, advocacy has shifted from “speaking for” to “speaking with” young people.
  • CYDA demonstrates this evolution through changing operational models. Initially, CYDA advocated on behalf of young people with disabilities. Subsequently however, they launched youth-led initiatives like the National Youth Disability Summit and LivdX. This shift enables young people with disabilities to directly share experiences and propose solutions.
  • Individual advocacy emerged due to the emergence of accessible digital platforms. For instance, 14-year-old Scout Sylva-Richardson independently wrote a bestselling autism book after identifying resource gaps.
  • This reveals that young people no longer must have organisational backing. Social media creates direct pathways to global audiences. This happens because platforms bypass traditional gatekeepers.
  • Consequently, youth health messages reach targets faster and more authentically. In this way, contemporary youth advocacy achieves greater impact through evolved digital methods.
Show Worked Solution

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Young people’s health advocacy has evolved from formal representation to direct participation because technology and social attitudes have transformed communication.
  • This has evolved due to organisations recognising young people’s ability to self-advocate. As a result, advocacy has shifted from “speaking for” to “speaking with” young people.
  • CYDA demonstrates this evolution through changing operational models. Initially, CYDA advocated on behalf of young people with disabilities. Subsequently however, they launched youth-led initiatives like the National Youth Disability Summit and LivdX. This shift enables young people with disabilities to directly share experiences and propose solutions.
  • Individual advocacy emerged due to the emergence of accessible digital platforms. For instance, 14-year-old Scout Sylva-Richardson independently wrote a bestselling autism book after identifying resource gaps.
  • This reveals that young people no longer must have organisational backing. Social media creates direct pathways to global audiences. This happens because platforms bypass traditional gatekeepers.
  • Consequently, youth health messages reach targets faster and more authentically. In this way, contemporary youth advocacy achieves greater impact through evolved digital methods.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 070 MC

Which statement best describes the World Health Organisation's perspective on youth involvement in health initiatives?

  1. Youth should provide feedback only after health initiatives have been implemented.
  2. Youth participation is helpful but not essential to the success of health outcomes.
  3. Youth-led advocacy and accountability are critical to health outcomes among young people.
  4. Youth should consult professional health advocates before attempting their own initiatives.
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct because it captures the essence of the WHO perspective that youth-led advocacy is critical in this area.

Other options:

  • A contains some truth as guidance can be valuable, but doesn’t address the leadership role youth should play.
  • B presents a plausible but incorrect assessment that understates the documented long-term value of youth participation.
  • D suggests a more limited role for youth input rather than the central role described by the WHO.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 069 MC

Which of the following best represents how technological advancement has transformed youth health advocacy from past to present?

  1. Traditional in-person youth councils have largely shifted toward hybrid models combining digital and face-to-face engagement.
  2. Social media has enabled youth to communicate directly with global audiences about health issues.
  3. Youth typically partner with professional organisations to amplify their health advocacy messages.
  4. Contemporary youth advocacy tends to balance individual health concerns with broader community impacts.
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct because social media has allowed youth (eg. Greta Thunberg) to directly communicate with global audiences, representing the most significant transformation in advocacy methods.

Other options:

  • A contains partial truth as hybrid models exist, but doesn’t represent the primary transformation.
  • C contains some truth as partnerships do occur, but misses the key transformation of direct communication that bypasses traditional intermediaries.
  • D contains an element of truth about balance, but doesn’t address the technological transformation that’s central to the question.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 086

Explain how individuals can effectively advocate for health issues within their communities, with reference to the skills required and potential challenges.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Effective advocacy begins when individuals research health issues thoroughly and gather community data. This occurs because understanding specific needs enables advocates to create targeted, relevant campaigns. As a result, advocacy messages resonate with community members and decision-makers.
  • Strong communication skills lead to successful coalition building with diverse allies. This works by articulating clear goals that attract supporters with different perspectives and resources. These elements work together to amplify advocacy impact beyond individual efforts.
  • Cultural competence directly influences advocacy effectiveness, especially in diverse communities. The reason for this is that culturally appropriate approaches build trust and ensure respectful engagement. Consequently, initiatives gain community support rather than facing resistance.
  • Advocates face challenges when initial enthusiasm fades or institutions resist change. This happens because sustained advocacy requires ongoing energy and resources.
  • Therefore, successful advocates must plan for long-term engagement and develop strategies to overcome institutional barriers while maintaining diverse community representation.
Show Worked Solution

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Effective advocacy begins when individuals research health issues thoroughly and gather community data. This occurs because understanding specific needs enables advocates to create targeted, relevant campaigns. As a result, advocacy messages resonate with community members and decision-makers.
  • Strong communication skills lead to successful coalition building with diverse allies. This works by articulating clear goals that attract supporters with different perspectives and resources. These elements work together to amplify advocacy impact beyond individual efforts.
  • Cultural competence directly influences advocacy effectiveness, especially in diverse communities. The reason for this is that culturally appropriate approaches build trust and ensure respectful engagement. Consequently, initiatives gain community support rather than facing resistance.
  • Advocates face challenges when initial enthusiasm fades or institutions resist change. This happens because sustained advocacy requires ongoing energy and resources.
  • Therefore, successful advocates must plan for long-term engagement and develop strategies to overcome institutional barriers while maintaining diverse community representation.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 085

Outline THREE ways the role of young people's health advocacy has evolved from past to present, with reference to technological advancements.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • In the past, youth advocacy was primarily school-based (e.g. School Representative Council) or through formal programs like Young Australian of the Year. These pathways had limited reach.
  • Current advocacy has expanded through digital platforms, allowing individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers. This can be seen in the case of climate activists mobilising global support through social media campaigns.
  • Technological advancements have removed barriers, enabling youth to create multimedia content (videos, podcasts, graphics) to present health issues in compelling formats that weren’t previously accessible.
Show Worked Solution
  • In the past, youth advocacy was primarily school-based (e.g. School Representative Council) or through formal programs like Young Australian of the Year. These pathways had limited reach.
  • Current advocacy has expanded through digital platforms, allowing individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers. This can be seen in the case of climate activists mobilising global support through social media campaigns.
  • Technological advancements have removed barriers, enabling youth to create multimedia content (videos, podcasts, graphics) to present health issues in compelling formats that weren’t previously accessible.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 084

Explain how social media has transformed young people's advocacy for health issues, and its effectiveness when compared to traditional advocacy methods.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Social media platforms have transformed youth health advocacy because instantaneous global reach enables young advocates like Greta Thunberg to communicate directly with worldwide audiences about climate change impacts on health.
  • Unlike traditional advocacy requiring organisational support, social media empowers individual youth advocates to initiate grassroots campaigns through hashtags and viral content. This leads to communities forming around health issues such as mental health awareness.
  • Social media spreads information in real-time for health demonstrations. This has resulted in protests such as youth-led climate strikes that are organised primarily through digital platforms.
  • While traditional advocacy methods often relied on established organisations, social media enables young people to bypass gatekeepers. This particularly benefits marginalised youth voices because they gain unfiltered access to audiences.
  • However, social media advocacy faces challenges including the potential for misinformation and the difficulty of maintaining momentum beyond initial viral moments. This reveals key limitations in digital-only approaches when compared to traditional advocacy.
Show Worked Solution

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

  • Social media platforms have transformed youth health advocacy because instantaneous global reach enables young advocates like Greta Thunberg to communicate directly with worldwide audiences about climate change impacts on health.
  • Unlike traditional advocacy requiring organisational support, social media empowers individual youth advocates to initiate grassroots campaigns through hashtags and viral content. This leads to communities forming around health issues such as mental health awareness.
  • Social media spreads information in real-time for health demonstrations. This has resulted in protests such as youth-led climate strikes that are organised primarily through digital platforms.
  • While traditional advocacy methods often relied on established organisations, social media enables young people to bypass gatekeepers. This particularly benefits marginalised youth voices because they gain unfiltered access to audiences.
  • However, social media advocacy faces challenges including the potential for misinformation and the difficulty of maintaining momentum beyond initial viral moments. This reveals key limitations in digital-only approaches when compared to traditional advocacy.