City · Queensland
Gold Coast
Australia's tourism capital presents a paradox: a sun-soaked lifestyle image that masks significant youth mental health challenges, particularly around body image, substance use, and social media comparison.
750,000
Estimated population
~340 schools
Approximate schools
High
body image dissatisfaction among teen girls
↑
youth eating disorder referrals at Gold Coast Hospital
Above avg
youth alcohol and cannabis use
Priority Wellbeing Issues
Body Image & Eating Disorders
Critical↑ Hospital referrals
The Gold Coast's beach culture and social media environment creates extreme body image pressure, particularly for teen girls. Eating disorder presentations at Gold Coast University Hospital have increased significantly since 2020.
Substance Use
ElevatedAbove Queensland average
Youth alcohol and cannabis use is above state averages on the Gold Coast, often linked to social anxiety, unsupervised weekend time, and peer pressure in a party-culture environment.
Cyberbullying
ElevatedState average
Cyberbullying is consistent with Queensland state averages, with intense social hierarchies in Gold Coast schools amplifying online conflicts.
Transient Communities
NotableHigh mobility
The Gold Coast's high population mobility means many students are newcomers navigating unfamiliar social environments — a risk factor for isolation and bullying.
schoolSchool Profile Data · ACARA 2025
Schools in Gold Coast
ACARA National School Profile 2025
schoolSchools
23
in this area
groupsStudents
5,586
total enrolments
equalizerAvg ICSEA
1007
Near national average (1000)
domainBy Sector
Government
61%(14)
Independent
26%(6)
Catholic
13%(3)
diversity_3Equity Indicators
bar_chart
31.3%Socioeconomic disadvantage
in lowest ICSEA quarter
people
7.5%Indigenous students
avg across schools
translate
10.9%Language other than English
LBOTE avg across schools
info
Source: ACARA National School Profile 2025. ICSEA national average is 1000. Schools shown are matched via postcode to SA3 region.
How Data Changes Outcomes
Prevention Insight
Gold Coast schools need tools that can identify social and emotional distress signals early — before eating disorders or substance use escalates.
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