Youth Survey Report 2024 Australia

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2024 paints a nuanced picture of today’s young people. Cost of living has emerged as the top national concern according to young people, more than doubling in the past two years. It is clear financial struggles are considerably impacting young lives and their views about
our country. 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.

Young people also believe that violence, safety and crime is a key issue that Australia must address, soaring to third place in their list of concerns, up from ninth place in 2022. This was followed closely by mental health. Young people want quick action and support, especially to address domestic and family violence, violence against women, and mental health concerns.

I was concerned to see that some young people have continued to struggle to find safe, secure housing over the past year. This highlights that we need to do more as a country to help young people find and keep stable, affordable homes if we want to make any real progress in ending youth homelessness.

We explored young people’s views on alcohol and drug use including vaping. While young people perceived these as being among the big national issues Australia grapples with, they were less problematic in their own lives and communities. Yet again, our survey this year revealed that discrimination and inequality unfairly and disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and young people who are gender diverse. Australia has a long way to go towards greater inclusivity, support and reconciliation.

Mental health was a major concern for young people. Many struggled with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression, with more than one in five facing high psychological distress. Some young people also struggled to achieve their education and employment goals because of barriers like motivation, confidence and mental health challenges. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for greater support and understanding and is an important reminder that we all must work together to help young people reach their full potential.

It is inspiring and energising that despite the challenges some young people face, most feel in control of their lives and remain optimistic, resilient and engaged, drawing strength from their social connections, aspirations and community involvement.

Empowering young people to start their journey to adulthood on a solid footing can transform lives. At Mission Australia, we remain deeply committed to supporting young people to thrive at every stage of their journey through our range of youth focused programs, services and community housing. These include case management, youth homelessness support, youth housing, community-based mental health, residential services.

To the young people who participated and to all those you represent: your voices are heard and deeply valued. We will continue to work together towards a future where everyone in your generation can achieve their full rehabilitation and alternative education programs and services.

We also believe that young people’s opinions should be at the heart of designing programs and housing for them. That’s why our Youth Survey report insights are used to inform the planning, development and delivery of many of our youth and family programs and services.

As a Child Safe Organisation, Mission Australia is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. If young people responding to the Youth Survey show they might be at risk of harm, we quickly connect them with the right support services. In other words, our Youth Survey helps save young lives.

The insights from our annual Youth Survey remain crucial for young people, their parents, educators, policymakers, community services and everyone who support them. By listening to their voices and addressing the issues they raise, we can work together to build a more inclusive and supportive Australia to grow up and thrive in.

To the young people who participated and to all those you represent: your voices are heard and deeply valued. We will continue to work together towards a future where everyone in your generation can achieve their full potential.

Sharon Callister
CEO, Mission Australia

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