Be heard, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2021 is open

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2021 is now open. Young people aged 15-19 across the country are encouraged to have their say.

Celebrating its 20th year, the Youth Survey is the largest online survey of its kind and provides an important insight into the experiences and views of young people.

In 2021 as the impacts of COVID-19 become clearer, it is important for young people to express their aspirations, issues and concerns. Mission Australia’s Youth Survey provides a critical platform for young people to have their say.
Mission Australia CEO James Toomey said:

“I’m pleased that Mission Australia’s Youth Survey is celebrating two decades of providing a vital platform for young Australians to share their thoughts and experiences.

“Our Youth Survey is Australia’s pre-eminent survey of the views and sentiments of young Australians and is an important source of information frequently cited by organisations and governments, and often tapped into by families and individuals to develop a picture of what our young people are thinking and experiencing. It can guide us on how to best support young Australians as they transition into adulthood.

We know from last year’s survey that young people have been feeling the brunt of the impacts of COVID-19 in terms of a range of issues including mental health, education and employment.

“Young people across the country are still experiencing disruption to their lives while dealing with the stress of living through a pandemic.

“It’s more important than ever for young people to seize opportunities to have their say. Support and care for young people must be a top priority for our country’s long-term pandemic recovery plan. Young people must have meaningful opportunities, like our Youth Survey, to speak up and shape Australia’s recovery.”

Last year, 25,800 young people participated in the 19th annual Youth Survey. This landmark report provided invaluable evidence collected during the COVID-19 pandemic about young people’s biggest concerns.

In 2020, for the first time, equity and discrimination was the top national issue for young people, increasing by more than 60 per cent since 2019. COVID-19 was identified as the second issue of most concern, followed by mental health.
Mr Toomey continued, “As we all know, issues and concerns arising amidst the pandemic are ongoing, and the future for young people is uncertain given the shocks produced by COVID-19.

The Youth Survey is a unique platform for young people to share their thoughts, concerns and aspirations to form policy and service changes that are important to them. It provides an essential opportunity to engage young people to have a say in how their future is shaped.

This year’s Youth Survey questions will again focus on young people’s housing situation, disability and experiences of discrimination, along with new questions to better understand the impact of COVID-19 and stress management.

Mr Toomey said, “We hope that during a time when so many young people are dealing with unique challenges and changes caused by the pandemic, that they will take the opportunity to share their thoughts.”

The survey takes 20 minutes to complete. Young people can record their responses online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website.

“We’re also encouraging schools, sports teams, community youth groups, religious groups and community service organisations to communicate to their young people to get involved in the Youth Survey,” said Mr Toomey.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2021 is open until 9th August to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia. To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. Share the word using #YouthSurvey2021