The health secretary today launched a new initiative to improve care for adolescents, amid concern that substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour and mental health problems are blighting their lives.

Alan Johnson launched the Adolescent Health Project after research showed young people's health has improved the least of any age group in the past 40 years.

Smoking, drinking, drug use, risky sexual behaviour and poor mental health often start in adolescence – and can have a permanent impact on their health. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma are also on the rise among teenagers.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) led the government-funded project, which aims to improve the care young people receive from the NHS and so boost their quality of life.

All doctors and nurses are to be offered training on issues affecting adolescents, and effective communication.

Johnson said it would fundamentally change adolescent care and was a sign of the government's commitment to helping young people.

"Adolescence is a crucial time when young people assume greater control over their health and wellbeing, " he said. "Most young people deal well with this transition to adult life, but a minority can face serious problems which then set patterns of risk-taking behaviour which can lead to physical, mental and emotional health problems in adulthood."

"This innovative programme brings together the many groups of professionals who interact with young people and will revolutionise the support we give to adolescents.

"It is a very exciting step forward and clear recognition of the increased profile of adolescent health we will see reflected in our forthcoming Children and Young People's health strategy."

The project offers face-to-face learning as well as detailed e-learning modules covering all aspects of adolescent health, including consent and confidentiality issues, health promotion, self-harm and eating disorders, and making health services young-person friendly.

The materials will be provided free to all professionals working in the NHS and other healthcare professionals.

The RCPCH said it aims to help doctors, nurses and other health professionals communicate with young people and stop problems developing.

Dr Patricia Hamilton, the RCPCH president, said: "For too long, health services for adolescents have fallen between those provided for children and those for adults.

"Special skills and competencies are needed by all staff when dealing with young people. Health professionals need not just clinical skills and medical knowledge, but also particular skills in language, listening and communication.

"This high quality and accessible training package will help us ensure doctors and nurses give young people the advice they need to have healthy lives now and a smooth transition to a healthy adulthood."
· Doctors, nurses and other health professionals will be able to register free via the website, e-Learning for Healthcare, where further information is available