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As the Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026, the Victorian Government will assume a Caretaker role from 6pm on 3 November 2026. During the caretaker period, content will only be added to this website in accordance with the Caretaker Conventions. See Guidelines for Caretaker Conventions.

International Youth Development Study

Aims and Objectives

  • What is IYDS?
    Project Description
    Aims and Objectives
    Procedures
    Consent and Privacy

    The International Youth Development Study aims to improve the lives of young people by:

    • Understanding how families, schools, communities and peer groups influence young people's behaviour in terms of school performance, mental health and substance use. 
    • Understanding how cultural and policy differences between Victoria and Washington State influence youth development and trajectories into adulthood.
    • Investigating the effects of different school substance use policies on student behaviour and examining the impact of school discipline approaches on student behaviour, wellbeing and educational outcomes.
    • Investigating which factors early in life influence long-term health and behaviour outcomes in adulthood.