Youth Survey 2025
Overview
In 2025, 17,155 young people shared their views. Cost of living (64%) topped national concerns, followed by mental health (29%), climate change (27%), and housing (25%). Most were studying; nearly half worked to save money. While 63% felt happy with life and 58% were positive about the future, 19% reported high psychological distress. Explore interactive charts, state breakdowns and voices from young people.
What mattered to young people in 2025?
In the Mission Australia Youth Survey 2025, young people again named cost of living as the most important issue in Australia, with 64% citing it as their top concern - an all-time high. Mental health, climate change and the environment, and housing and homelessness were also seen as major national issues.
On a personal level, school or study, time management, and mental health are key stressors, yet many young people feel able to handle life’s challenges and remain hopeful about their futures.
Top concerns identified by young Australians in 2025
Over 17,000 young people aged 14 to 19 took part in the 2025 survey. They told us they thought the most important issues for Australia were:
64%
Cost of living
29%
Mental health
27%
Climate change and the environment
25%
Housing and homelessness
Key findings in 2025
Top concerns identified by young Australians
- Cost of living – 64% (record high)
- Mental health – 29%
- Climate change & environment – 27%
- Housing & homelessness – 25%
Although cost of living was the biggest national issue, only 20% listed it as a personal stressor, suggesting other challenges felt more immediate.
How young people feel about life
- 63% happy with life overall
- 58% positive about the future
- 19% reported high psychological distress
Stress factors
- Mental health & wellbeing – 39%
- Body image – 33%
- Physical health – 21%
School and study
- 99% are studying
- 70% have a teacher/adult they can turn to for support
- 62% like their school
- School or study problems were the top stressor (58%)
Barriers to achieving goals
- 26% face challenges such as:
- Low motivation
- Lack of time or space
- Low confidence
- Mental health issues
Employment
- 48% are working
- Top reasons: saving money, paying for personal items, building skills
Where young people find support
- Friends – 77%
- Parents or guardians – 76%
Community and activities
- 83% participate in activities outside school
- 54% play team sports; 37% individual sports
- 30% experienced unfair treatment or discrimination in the past year
What issues matter most to young Australians?
In 2025, cost of living topped the list, with 64% of respondents citing it as a major concern - up from 56% in 2024 and 38% in 2023. Mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%), and housing and homelessness (25%) were also key priorities.
The chart below shows how these concerns have shifted over the past three years, highlighting a sharp rise in cost of living and growing attention to housing and climate issues.
Young people are telling us that the strain of rising prices and not having money for basic essentials is taking a toll on their mental health and their outlook on life.
We want our young people to know that we are listening and are grateful to them sharing a part of their lives with us.
National issues and personal stress
The chart below shows the main causes of personal stress over the past year. School or study problems were the most common, affecting 58% of respondents. School or study problems were higher among females (70%) and gender diverse young people (61%) than males (46%). Managing time was next at 53%, with similar patterns across groups.
Mental health and wellbeing was reported by 39% overall, but 74% of gender diverse respondents said it was a stressor - the highest rate for any group. This compares to 51% of females and 26% of males.
Although cost of living was a major national issue, only 20% listed it as a personal stressor, suggesting it was less immediate than other challenges.
Need to talk to someone?
If you’re a young person and need someone to talk to, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.