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When young people transition to adulthood, navigating changes in responsibilities can be challenging. Some of these hurdles can be more complicated for vulnerable young people - like those who are homeless or experiencing financial stress.

Our annual Youth Survey is the largest of its kind in Australia, shedding light on the concerns and experiences of young Australians. We received responses from more than 17,400 young people aged 15-19 on the top national issues and their personal concerns. Here’s what young people said:

Four biggest issues on the minds of young people in 2024

According to young people surveyed in our 2024 Youth Survey, the most important issues in Australia are:

1. Cost of living

For the first time, cost of living featured as the number one issue for young people, more than doubling in the last two years and overtaking last year’s top cause for concern - the environment. Over half of our survey respondents (56%) said cost of living is a major concern.

2. Climate change and the environment

The looming threat of climate change and the increasing severity of natural disasters is clearly worrying Australia’s young people. Climate change and the environment was identified as a top 4 national issue in Australia for young people in all States and Territories. They want more action. 

“While climate change remains an important issue for young people, ranking second this year, it currently takes a back seat to the urgent financial challenges many are facing due to Australia’s cost of living crisis. It’s clear financial struggles are considerably impacting young lives and their views about our country.” - Sharon Callister, Mission Australia CEO. 

3. Violence, safety and crime

More young people are concerned about crime rates, particularly youth crime and domestic and family violence. Violence, safety and crime soared into third place, up from sixth place in 2023.

4. Mental health

For almost one in four young people, mental health is a major concern. More than one in five (22%) young people experienced high psychological distress and one in five considered mental health as their biggest personal challenge in the past year.

In our 2024 Youth Survey, nearly one in three (30%) young people were concerned or extremely concerned about coping with stress, while one in five (21%) felt lonely most or all of the time.

About Mission Australia's Annual Youth Survey

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey includes responses from 17,480 young people aged 15 to 19 surveyed between April and August 2024.

The results of the Youth Survey are shared with governments, non-government organisations, schools and the media to inform the debate around the circumstances of young people in Australia and to support the development of policies, services and programs that hold the needs of young people at their core.

Learn more about the Youth Survey or download your copy of Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report 2024 for more information on youth in Australia.

Read the full report