Young Australians’ concerns about the issue that worries them most are growing as fast as the issue itself: the cost of living.
It’s the first time cost of living has appeared as the number one issue in Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey Report, which surveyed 17,400 young people aged 15 to 19.
The percentage of young people worried about the issue has more than doubled in the past two years – and it is by far their biggest concern, according to the survey.
The largest survey of young people in Australia found that the top national issues are the cost of living (56%), climate change and the environment (27%), violence, safety and crime (25%). ) and mental health (23%).
Mission Australia said the “economic and financial issues” category had been renamed “cost of living” to better reflect the responses received.
Previous issues of great national concern, such as the environment, lost importance as people struggled to make ends meet, Mission Australia chief executive Sharon Callister said.
This reflects the need for greater financial support to help ease financial hardship, such as increases in JobSeeker, Youth Assessment and Commonwealth Rent Assistance rates, he said.
“While climate change remains an important issue for young people, ranking second this year, it currently takes a backseat to the urgent financial challenges many are facing as a result of Australia’s cost of living crisis,” he said .
“It threatens the future of young people”
Cairns student Evie Evans, 15, said the cost of living is not an issue for her family, “but I think it’s a big issue that Australia faces today”.
“I’ve noticed my friends struggling with this disease. I’ve noticed people at school struggling with this disease, and I think it’s going to get worse in the coming years and threaten the future of young people in Australia,” he explained. he said.
The results of the annual youth survey are shared with parents, educators, policymakers, community services and those who support young people.
More than one in five young people (22%) experienced high psychological distress and one in five rated mental health as their biggest personal challenge in the past year.
Nearly one in three (30%) were worried or extremely worried about dealing with stress, while one in five (21%) felt lonely most or all of the time.
“It is deeply concerning that so many young people are struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression,” Callister said.
“This stark reality highlights the urgent need for greater mental health support and increased mental health awareness.”
Violence, safety and crime (25%) were the other big step up in third place, up from sixth in 2023 at 18% and 10% in 2022.
Housing and homelessness (17%) continue to rank prominently among the top 10 national problems.
“Young people know Australia is facing a housing and homelessness emergency, which is why we need more investment in social and affordable housing, more focus on preventing homelessness and more housing options for young people like Youth Foyers,” Callister said.
