Young Queenslanders living in rural/regional areas are more concerned about suicide and self harm than those living in Brisbane, according to a survey carried out by community service organisation, Mission Australia.

Young people in rural Queensland are also more concerned about alcohol and other drugs and are less worried about depression and coping with stress than their Brisbane cousins.

The results are contained in a new publication – based on Mission Australia’s 2005 National Youth Survey – which looks at the similarities and differences between young people living in rural/regional areas and those in metropolitan centres.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey, which is conducted on-line, through schools and colleges – and with the assistance of community organisations, government agencies and corporate partners – is one of the largest studies of young Australians, and aims to identify and clarify key what issues concern them.

More than 11,000 young people – aged between 11-24 years (with the majority of respondents between 11-19) – participated in the 2005 survey. Nationally, 47% of those surveyed lived outside the capital cities.

In Queensland, around 1,500 young people participated in the survey.
Other results which reveal the differences between rural and metro-based Queenslanders include:

• Physical/ sexual abuse concerned a higher proportion of 20-24 year olds living outside a Brisbane
• Those living outside Brisbane showed higher rates of turning to friends, parents and relatives
• Respondents living outside Brisbane had significantly higher rates of involvement in sports and arts/cultural activities.

Mission Australia’s Queensland State Manager, Lincoln Hopper, said the differences identified in the survey showed young Queenslanders were confronting issues in different ways.

“Firstly, we need to stress that our survey showed that there are many similarities between what young Queenslanders in rural/regional areas, and those in Brisbane, are thinking, feeling and value,” Mr Hopper said.

“Regardless of where young people live, family relationships and friendships are what they value most. They’re also involved in their communities, through sport, youth groups, arts and cultural activities and volunteering. These are very positive messages for the wider community, as young people are often presented as being interested only in themselves or financial success."

“But the differences between the two groups emphasises for us, once again, that young people in Queensland are not a homogenous group."

“It also shows us that when tailoring programs to meet some of the problems facing young people – unemployment, drug and alcohol issues, suicide and depression – one size definitely does not fit all."

“Whatever the differences between Queensland’s youth, we need to continue making sure that our young people – and their parents and families – have the information they need to deal with the issues confronting them,” Mr Hopper said.

For further media information: Sarah Morgan, Rowland – 0410 641 886

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