Released 28/02/2019
Parents, school communities and health professionals are invited to provide feedback on a new program to help improve health outcomes for young people in Canberra.
The Year 7 Health Check for Canberra school students was an ACT Labor election commitment, and willmonitor risk factors for chronic diseases, such as overweight and obesity and assess the emotional wellbeing of students.
“The ACT Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of young Canberrans,” Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said.
“Prevention is the key to improving health outcomes, especially for young people, so it’s important that we have ways of identifying potential health issues and needs early on so we can support our young people to live health, happy lives.
“We know the transition to secondary school is an important life stage in a child’s development, which is why we plan to introduce a Year 7 Health Check later this year.
“But first we are keen to hear from the community – particularly parents – about what matters to them to improve the health and wellbeing of children.”
The Year 7 Health Check will involve an assessment of healthy weight by measuring weight and height, and an electronic survey that will assess emotional wellbeing and associated risk factors. Parents or legal guardians must consent (opt in) for their child to participate in the Year 7 Health Check.
Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to fill in the survey on the YourSay website. Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design of the Year 7 Health Check and how young people access health services in the ACT.
“The Year 7 Health Check is important because it will be used to assist young people at higher risk of chronic disease or in need of more emotional support, and connect them with appropriate resources and services.
“The Year 7 Health Check complements existing health services provided to this cohort of students, including the High School Immunisation Program.
“It will also add to the health screening that takes place earlier in a child’s life through the Kindergarten Health Check, which monitors health risk factors at school entry, including vision and hearing,” Minister Fitzharris said.
ACT Health will continue to work closely with the education sector on how the Year 7 Health Check will be rolled out.
The consultation is open until 3 April 2019. Further information on how to have your say and a discussion paper on the Year 7 Health Check is available at https://yoursay.act.gov.au/year-7-health-checks
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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