Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS) – Wave 2 and 3

Shaping Futures Through Adolescent Voices

Adolescence is a turning point in life, where identities are formed, health trajectories are shaped, and opportunities can either expand or narrow. Across countries including Indonesia, young people face challenges influenced by gender norms, social environments, and health systems. The Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS), coordinated globally by Johns Hopkins University and implemented with partners such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, is building a comprehensive evidence base to understand and support adolescents during this critical stage.

What We’re Building

GEAS is more than a study, it is a foundation for sustainable change in adolescent health.

We are building a strong base of longitudinal evidence, cross-country comparisons, and youth-led frameworks to transform adolescent wellbeing. This includes long-term data collection to track changes over time, comparative analysis to highlight both universal and local patterns, strategies that prioritize adolescent voices in shaping interventions, and policy-relevant insights that equip governments, NGOs, and educators to strengthen adolescent health systems. By weaving these elements together, GEAS creates a resilient framework for long-term impact.

Why It Matters

Adolescents represent the future of societies. Without urgent action, inequities and harmful norms will continue to limit opportunities. GEAS matters because it illuminates how gender norms shape relationships and health outcomes, identifies risk factors for mental health, violence, and reproductive health challenges, provides evidence to reduce inequities and promote inclusive youth development, and strengthens collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities. This initiative safeguards futures by ensuring adolescent health becomes a cornerstone of societal progress.

Primary Beneficiaries

GEAS is designed for the people who shape adolescent wellbeing every day.

Young people, whose lived experiences guide priorities and solutions, stand at the center. Researchers and health experts generate evidence and interventions that respond to real needs. Policymakers and advocates shape national strategies and resource allocation, while community organizations provide local support and safe spaces. Together, these groups form the backbone of change.

Youth Engagement Framework

Lasting change requires more than token participation. GEAS ensures meaningful involvement by addressing insufficient health literacy, tackling stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health, identifying culturally appropriate methods for youth engagement, and mitigating safety concerns to foster inclusive participation. This framework ensures that adolescent voices are not only heard but actively shape the solutions.

Collaborators

GEAS Wave 2 and 3 is a collaborative effort involving:

• Johns Hopkins University (global coordination)
• Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
• Regional partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• International organizations supporting adolescent health and rights

GEAS contributes to mapping adolescent health landscapes across multiple countries. Insights from Wave 2 and 3 inform funding priorities, youth-led solutions, and global advocacy, ensuring that adolescent health becomes a cornerstone of future societal wellbeing. GEAS is not only a research initiative, but a collective movement to amplify adolescent voices and build healthier futures. We invite young people, researchers, policymakers, and communities to join this shared commitment, because together, we can create stronger voices and healthier societies.