City · Western Australia
Perth
Perth is geographically isolated from other Australian capitals. This isolation — combined with resource-boom wealth inequality and significant Indigenous communities in outer suburbs — creates a unique wellbeing landscape.
2.2 million
Estimated population
~900 schools
Approximate schools
Critical
remote attendance crisis in Kimberley & Pilbara
High
self-harm rates in WA's remote regions (AIHW)
1 in 5
Perth teens report loneliness regularly
Priority Wellbeing Issues
Youth Self-Harm (Remote WA)
CriticalAIHW: highest national band
AIHW Youth Self-Harm Atlas places WA's remote regions (Kimberley, Pilbara) in the highest national percentile bands. Indigenous youth are disproportionately affected.
Cyberbullying
ElevatedState average
Perth's online harm rates mirror national urban averages. Geographic isolation amplifies social media dependency among teenagers, intensifying online conflicts.
Academic Pressure
ElevatedATAR focus
Perth's private school sector creates significant ATAR pressure. Year 11–12 mental health presentations spike in Terms 3–4, particularly in high-performing school networks.
Geographic Isolation
Notable5+ hrs to nearest capital
Perth's isolation from other capitals creates a sense of disconnection for mobile families. The city also has fewer specialist youth mental health services than its population size warrants.
schoolSchool Profile Data · ACARA 2025
Schools in Perth
ACARA National School Profile 2025
schoolSchools
33
in this area
groupsStudents
22,715
total enrolments
equalizerAvg ICSEA
1097
97 points above national average
domainBy Sector
Government
61%(20)
Catholic
24%(8)
Independent
15%(5)
diversity_3Equity Indicators
bar_chart
11.2%Socioeconomic disadvantage
in lowest ICSEA quarter
people
6.3%Indigenous students
avg across schools
translate
36.4%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
Perth schools need scalable wellbeing data tools that work in both urban and remote contexts.
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