Alcohol and drugs concerns more young Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas (36 per cent), than those living in Hobart (25 per cent), according to community service organisation, Mission Australia.

Young people in regional Tasmania are also more concerned about discrimination and less worried about depression than their Hobart cousins.

These results are contained in a new publication based on Mission Australia’s 2005 National Youth Survey. The 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. 47 per cent of respondents were from outside the capital cities. In Tasmania, around 800 young people participated in the survey, highlighting how keen young Tasmanians are to have their voice heard.

Other results which reveal the differences between rural and metro-based Tasmanians include:

• Spirituality/faith was ranked highly by twice as many respondents from outside Hobart compared with those living in Hobart (23.4 per cent compared to 12 per cent).
• Depression was an important issue of 41.9 per cent of those in Hobart and 34.4 per cent of those from the rest of the State.
• Non-Hobart residents had significantly higher rates of involvement in clubs/youth groups (39.8 per cent compared to 24.7 per cent in Hobart) and in religious activities (24.7 per cent and 10.6 per cent in Hobart).

Mission Australia’s Tasmanian Operations Manager Noel Mundy said the differences identified in the survey showed young Tasmanians were confronting issues in different ways.

“Firstly, we need to stress that our survey showed that there are many similarities between what young Tasmanians in rural/regional areas, and those in Hobart and metro areas, are thinking, feeling and in what they value,” Mr Mundy 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 Tasmania are not a homogenous group."

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

“Whatever the differences between Tasmania’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.”

For more information: Lucinda Bray, Beyond PR, (03) 6223 3333 or 0438 280 486

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