Favourable peer and parental attitudes towards using drugs are influencing Victorian students to drink alcohol in early adolescence, a new study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has found.

Mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia are the leading cause of disability among young people, a new international study has revealed.

Ricky Ponting, James Hird and Glenn Archer joined forces at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute this week to announce a special fundraising initiative to help improve quality of life outcomes for children with cancer.