The SSASH Survey: The Australian Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health
The Australian Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health (SSASH) is a national study exploring the sexual health and well-being of Australian adolescents. The anonymous survey asks questions about knowledge, behaviour and educational experiences related to sexual health and well-being. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has funded this survey approximately every 5 years since 1992.
The 2024 SSASH Survey has closed!
The Australian Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health (SSASH) closed on April 30th, and is no longer active.
Thank you for your support!
We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed.
To our participants: Thank you for sharing your perspectives and experiences—your voices are invaluable in shaping inclusive and meaningful education.
To our community supporters: Your encouragement and advocacy have been instrumental in reaching students and amplifying the impact of this research.
Together, we’re advancing understanding and improving relationship and sexuality education for young people across Australia.
How it all started
In 1992, before effective methods to treat and prevent HIV were found, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care funded a project to understand Australian students’ knowledge about transmission and symptoms of HIV and STIs, condom use and attitudes towards safe sex.
Since then, the project has evolved to include questions about STIs in general, school-based relationships and sexuality education, digital spaces and the sources of sexual health information and advice young people turn to when in need.
Based on the World Health Organisation’s (2015) holistic definition of sexual health, the SSASH survey will continue to focus on young people’s knowledge, attitudes and experiences of safe, consensual and enjoyable experiences of sex.
SEXUAL HEALTH IS…
World Health Organisation, 2015
A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.
The SSASH survey is now open for the 8th time. Results play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s health by informing the national strategies to prevent HIV, sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne viruses as well as providing valuable information to improve service provision and education across multiple sectors.
Reports & Publications
National and state reports and publications since 1992 are available to download here.
Testimonials from the 2021 SSASH Survey
Discover what young people had to say about their experience completing the 2021 SSASH survey.
I think this is a really good survey and I liked your inclusivity, it was really well done
– 16-year-old non-binary young person from a Catholic school
I shared this survey to my friends in my year level and I hope they will answer it truthfully, I did it truthfully because I hope certain things in sexual education will be changed
– 16-year-old man from an Independent school
A very informative survey, and I’m very glad I took it. Thank you for doing this! 🙂