Teens urged to speak up in Australia’s largest youth survey

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Mission Australia is calling on all young people aged 15-19 to have their say in the charity’s 22nd annual Youth Survey.

As the largest survey of its kind, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2023 will provide a valuable snapshot into what young people are thinking and feeling.

Last year, nearly 20,000 young people in Australia completed the survey with the environment, equity and discrimination and mental health topping the issues young people want Australia to address, and financial concerns and housing instability affecting many.

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister said the Youth Survey was an important platform for young people to express their concerns, aspirations and experiences and amplify their voices to instigate change.

“The last few years have seen our young people experience significant challenges - interruptions to their education, housing insecurity and mental health concerns to name a few,” she said.

“It’s important we not just listen to what young people have to say, but act on the solutions they put forward too.”

Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government and non-government organisations and the general public.

“Youth Survey is an important source of information for decision-makers in our community to understand young people, inform policy and to look at ways to best support them as they move into the adult world,” Ms Callister said.

“I urge everyone including community groups, schools and sporting organisations to encourage young people to participate so we can boost participation and produce our most comprehensive and instructive Youth Survey yet.”

The Youth Survey 2022 Report found the environment (51.0%), equity and discrimination (35.9%) and mental health (33.9%) were the most important issues facing the nation according to young people – signalling a shift away from COVID-19 concerns.

One in 20 (5.9%) young people or their families were unable to afford bills or car expenses and a similar proportion (6.4%) sought financial help from family, friends or charity.

This year’s Youth Survey will 2023 will once again focus on housing and financial situation as well as climate.

“Last year, for the first time we heard young people’s solutions to the issues they face and hope to build on that with this year’s survey,” Ms Callister said.

Youth Survey 2023 is open from March to August and 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.

To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. Share the word across social media using #YouthSurvey2023