Young Victorians living in rural/regional areas are more concerned about alcohol/drugs and bullying than those living in Melbourne, according to the results of a survey carried out by community service organisation, Mission Australia.

Alcohol and other drugs concerned 36.2% of young people in rural Victoria compared to only 26.8% in Melbourne; while bullying/emotional abuse was a concern to 36.7% in rural areas compared to only 25.5% in Victoria’s capital.

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.

More than 11,000 young people – aged between 11-24 years (with the majority of respondents between 11-19) – participated in the 2005 survey, which aims to identify and clarify key and emerging issues for Australian youth.

In Victoria, around 1,200 young people participated – 52.3% in rural areas, 47.7% in Melbourne. Other results which reveal the differences between rural and metro-based Victorians include:

• Being independent was highly valued by more young Victorians in rural areas, compared to those in Melbourne (44.2% to 36.8%).
• Friendships/relationships were valued 8% more by those living in Melbourne (70.7% to 63%).
• Victorian respondents were much more involved in sports if they lived outside of Melbourne (65.6% to 49.7%).
• Non-metro respondents were less likely to be involved in arts/cultural activities (33% to 40.6% in Melbourne) and volunteering (22.6% to 28.8% in Melbourne).

Mission Australia’s spokesperson, Anne Hampshire, said the differences identified in the survey showed young Victorians were confronting issues in different ways.

“Firstly, we need to stress that our survey showed that there are many similarities between what young Victorians in rural/regional areas, and those in Melbourne and metro areas, are thinking, feeling and in what they value,” said Ms Hampshire.

“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 Victoria 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 Victoria’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,” Ms Hampshire said.

Media inquiries: Carmel Bordignon, PPR – (03) 8643 1625 or 0402 459 010