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A decline in condom use is putting young people’s health at risk, the World Health Organisation has warned.

The WHO surveyed respondents across 42 countries between 2014 and 2022.

It found that condom use among sexually active adolescents declined heavily, putting them at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

Out of a quarter-of-a-million 15-year-olds surveyed, nearly a third of them did not use a condom or the contraceptive pill.

Although sexual activity rates remained relatively stable, the proportion who used a condom when they last had intercourse fell from 70 per cent to 61 percent among boys, and 63 to 57 percent among girls.

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A new report has revealed that Australia urgently needs over 21-thousand early childhood educators to meet current demand, with future needs expected to increase further.

The study, released by Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Professor Barney Glover, highlighted the unsustainable staffing levels in a sector employing about 200-thousand workers.

An 8 per cent workforce growth was essential for sustainable staffing, with an additional 8 per cent required to meet unmet service demands, according to the latest figures.

The report emphasised the importance of supporting diverse communities, particularly in remote areas, and stressed the critical role of early childhood education in shaping future tertiary education participation.

The federal government has responded with a 3.6-billion-dollar investment in wage increases to attract and retain workers.

However, ongoing staff shortages are forcing centres to turn families away, underlining the need for further action to sustain the workforce and improve the sector’s appeal.

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A new study, conducted by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, has found that over half of young people aged 14 to 25 feel stressed and anxious, with hospitalisations due to self-harm tripling in the past decade.

The research also indicated that poor diets and increased stress are worsening mental health, particularly among young women.

Chief Health Officer Dr. John Gerrard emphasised the detrimental effects of technology on this generation, with one-in-ten young people reporting constant depression.

Researchers have urged parents to discuss social media and smartphone use with their children, after research highlighted its negative impact on youth mental health.

Dr. Gerrard stressed the importance of community conversations to empower parents in addressing these issues.

With 75 per cent of mental health disorders emerging before age 24, experts are calling for immediate action to support the wellbeing of younger generations.