Children of same-sex parents are doing as well or better than the rest of the population on several key health indicators, according to initial findings of the world's largest study of such children.

The Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families collected data on 500 children nationally, up to the age of 17. Of the 315 gay, lesbian and bisexual parents who completed the globally recognised child health questionnaire, 80 per cent were women.

Observed a marked maturity: Lynne Martin (left) and Michelle McCormack with their sons Finlay, 1, Angus, 4, and Tom, 7. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

An interim report found there was no statistical difference between children of same-sex couples and the rest of the population on indicators including self-esteem, emotional behaviour and the amount of time spent with parents.

However, children of same-sex couples scored higher than the national average for overall health and family cohesion, measuring how well a family gets along.