Sexual health and wellbeing

We have a well-established national leadership role in this area, with longstanding Commonwealth government funding for research that directly informs relevant strategies.

This thematic area focuses on the sexual health, rights, wellbeing and education of people in Australia, including exploration of themes such as:

  • sexual communication and consent
  • comprehensive approaches to sexual health promotion, education, rights and advocacy
  • sexual practices, bodies and pleasure
  • prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
  • sexual health and wellbeing in digital spaces
  • technologies and digital sexual literacy

We also track young people’s sexual health knowledge and practice, and their experiences of school-based relationships and sexuality education.

Our projects include:

Theme co-convenors:

Jennifer Power and Alexandra James

Latest updates

Young people and sexual health publications

The Secondary Students and Sexual Health study series has surveyed the sexual health knowledge and behaviours of young people in Australia approximately every five years since 1992, giving an invaluable cross-section of knowledge and data on how young Australians view sex, sexual health and relationships. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and conducted in every state and territory across Government, Catholic and Independent schools, the series surveys students in Years 10 and 12 on their knowledge, understanding and experiences.

Secondary Students and Sexual Health 7

[2022]

The National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health (SSASH) is a periodic study of young people’s sexual health. This seventh survey reports on sexual identity, STI and HIV prevention, relationships and sexuality education, and progress against priorities in the Fourth National STI Strategy (2018).

Jennifer Power, Sylvia Kauer, Christopher Fisher, Roz Bellamy and Adam Bourne

The 7th National Survey of SSASH

Building young people's sexual literacy

A report that presents findings from a study that explored effective approaches to digital sexual health promotion with young people [2022]

This report presents findings on effective approaches to digital sexual health promotion with young people, examining how they engage online with sex, sexuality, relationships, and bodies, and identifying innovative ways to support sexual literacy and classroom-based relationships and sexuality education (RSE).

Andrea Waling, Alexandra James, Gene Lim and Jennifer Power

Building young people's sexual literacy in digital spaces

Victorian young people and sexual health 2018

Findings from the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health [2022]

This Victoria-specific report, based on the 2018 National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health, highlights opportunities to strengthen sexual health literacy, testing, vaccination awareness, safe practices, and the quality of relationships and sexuality education for young people.

Sylvia Kauer and Christopher M Fisher

Victorian Young People and Sexual Health slides

Young people and sources of sexual health Information

A report [2022]

This report presents research findings from a study exploring young people’s experiences in accessing and assessing sources of sexual health information.

Andrea Waling, Suzanne Fraser and Christopher Fisher

Young people and sources of sexual health Information

Young people, sexual literacy & sources of knowledge

A review [2019]

Commissioned by the Department of Health, this report reviews literature on the key influences shaping young people’s sexual health and the sources of information they rely on and integrate into their lives.

Andrea Waling, Lucille Kerr, Suzanne Fraser, Adam Bourne and Marina Carman

Young people, sexual literacy and sources of knowledge

ARCSHS National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 1992-2018: Trends over time

Six Waves of the National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health [2019]

For 25 years, the National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health has tracked young people’s sexual health knowledge and behaviours, involving over 15,700 students nationwide. This Trends Over Time report compares results across survey waves to show where progress has been made—and where little has changed—in key areas of sexual health and wellbeing.

Christopher M Fisher and Sylvia Kauer

Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health [PDF 1.2MB]

ARCSHS Western Australian Survey of Secondary School Students and Sexual Health 2018

Findings from the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health [2019]

Christopher M Fisher, Sylvia Kauer, Andrea Waling, Rosalind Bellamy, Paulina Ezer, Lucille Kerr, Graham Brown and Jayne Lucke

Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health [PDF 1.8MB]

National survey of secondary students and sexual health 2018

Results of the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health [2019]

Christopher M Fisher, Andrea Waling, Lucille Kerr, Rosalind Bellamy, Paulina Ezer, Gosia Mikolajczak, Graham Brown, Marina Carman and Jayne Lucke

Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health [PDF 5.5MB]

QSOX Briefing Papers

QSOX Briefing Paper 1: LBQ Women and Alcohol

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 1 - LBQ Women and Alcohol, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding wine and spirit glasses, beer cans and bottles, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper explores lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women and non-binary people’s experiences of alcohol use over time. It highlights how drinking practices are shaped by social connection, identity, and coping, as well as by broader life circumstances such as relationships and stress. This resource provides insights to inform more inclusive and strengths-based alcohol policy, education, and support initiatives.

QSOX Briefing Paper 2: LBQ Women and Smoking

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 2 - LBQ Women and Smoking, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding cigarettes and alcohol, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper examines the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of smoking among LBQ women and non-binary people. It shows that smoking often carries meanings of autonomy, resilience, and gender expression, while also being used to manage stress or trauma. The findings highlight the need for affirming, non-judgemental information and cessation supports that recognise identity, community, and lived experience.

QSOX Briefing Paper 3: LBQ Women and Vaping

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 3 - LBQ Women and Vaping, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding a vape and various alcohol, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper investigates how vaping features in LBQ women and non-binary people’s lives as a practice tied to identity, pleasure, and coping. It reveals that vaping can be both affirming and challenging, offering comfort and community connection while sometimes leading to dependence or shame. The paper offers recommendations for culturally responsive vaping policy, education, and harm reduction strategies.

QSOX Practice Guide: Supporting LBQ women and non-binary people with alcohol, tobacco and nicotine use

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Practice Guide: Supporting LBQ Women and Non-Binary People with Alcohol, Tobacco and Nicotine Use, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding cigarettes, vapes, wine and beer, and two hands holding each other. This practical guide translates findings from the QSOX study into practical strategies for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) services and health professionals. It outlines inclusive, trauma-informed, and identity-affirming approaches to support clients’ diverse goals around substance use. The guide is designed to help services create safer, more responsive environments for LBQ women and non-binary people seeking care.

QSOX Briefing Papers

QSOX Briefing Paper 1: LBQ Women and Alcohol

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 1 - LBQ Women and Alcohol, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding wine and spirit glasses, beer cans and bottles, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper explores lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women and non-binary people’s experiences of alcohol use over time. It highlights how drinking practices are shaped by social connection, identity, and coping, as well as by broader life circumstances such as relationships and stress. This resource provides insights to inform more inclusive and strengths-based alcohol policy, education, and support initiatives.

QSOX Briefing Paper 2: LBQ Women and Smoking

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 2 - LBQ Women and Smoking, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding cigarettes and alcohol, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper examines the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of smoking among LBQ women and non-binary people. It shows that smoking often carries meanings of autonomy, resilience, and gender expression, while also being used to manage stress or trauma. The findings highlight the need for affirming, non-judgemental information and cessation supports that recognise identity, community, and lived experience.

QSOX Briefing Paper 3: LBQ Women and Vaping

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Briefing Paper 3 - LBQ Women and Vaping, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding a vape and various alcohol, and two hands holding each other. This briefing paper investigates how vaping features in LBQ women and non-binary people’s lives as a practice tied to identity, pleasure, and coping. It reveals that vaping can be both affirming and challenging, offering comfort and community connection while sometimes leading to dependence or shame. The paper offers recommendations for culturally responsive vaping policy, education, and harm reduction strategies.

QSOX Practice Guide: Supporting LBQ women and non-binary people with alcohol, tobacco and nicotine use

Cover of 'QSOX: Queer Women's Substance Use over Time: Practice Guide: Supporting LBQ Women and Non-Binary People with Alcohol, Tobacco and Nicotine Use, by Ruby Grant, Julie Mooney-Somers, Amy Pennay, Ruth McNair, Jennifer Power, Jami Jones and Adam Bourne, featuring the QSOX logo with a cigarette forming the tail of the Q, a rainbow inside the O and a wine bottle crossing the X, with a design of various diverse hands holding cigarettes, vapes, wine and beer, and two hands holding each other. This practical guide translates findings from the QSOX study into practical strategies for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) services and health professionals. It outlines inclusive, trauma-informed, and identity-affirming approaches to support clients’ diverse goals around substance use. The guide is designed to help services create safer, more responsive environments for LBQ women and non-binary people seeking care.