Young people in ACT view COVID-19 as the most important issue facing Australia today, according to Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey.
The Youth Survey, now in its 20th year, was conducted between April and August, and surveyed 764 15- to 19-year-olds. The findings highlight the impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young people.
Young people said the pandemic and associated public health responses were bad for their health, wellbeing, and education. COVID-19 affected their participation in activities (65.5 per cent), education (59.8 per cent), and mental health (46.4 per cent). A notably higher proportion of ACT girls identified COVID-19 worsened their mental health (67.3 per cent compared with 30.7 per cent of boys).
“The findings shed light on how young people are coping with the pandemic,” said Nada Nasser, Mission Australia’s State Director. “Listening to and acting on their detailed insights is vital as we round out our second year of COVID-19 pandemic.”
Nationally, COVID-19 was nominated as the top issue of concern (48.3 per cent) for the first time (an increase of 11 per cent from 37.7 per cent in 2020).
“Without the right supports and policy settings in place, there is a real concern the pandemic will have long-term impacts on young people,” Ms Nasser said.
The environment (42.7 per cent) and equity and discrimination (38.5 per cent) were also key issues that young people feel Australia must address.
Ms Nasser says this showed the lack of action on climate change was taking a psychological toll on young people across Australia.
“We should all be concerned about the impacts of this on young people, who are tomorrow’s workers, parents, and carers,” Ms Nasser said.
For ACT girls, the top issues of personal concern were coping with stress, mental health, and body image. For ACT boys, the top three issues were coping with stress, mental health, and physical health. Girls reported higher levels of personal concern about almost all issues than boys. Higher proportions of girls were extremely or very concerned about body image (51.6 per cent compared with 14.5 per cent), mental health (59.3 per cent compared with 25.1 per cent), and coping with stress (59.5 per cent compared with 29.3 per cent).
But many ACT young people were doing well while taking on 2021’s challenges, Ms Nasser said. More than half (51.5 per cent) were happy overall with their lives.
“But more must be done to ensure young people have ample opportunities to access education, employment, and services when they need them, particularly as we move toward pandemic recovery and a ‘COVID-normal’ existence,” Ms Nasser said. “Regardless of a young person’s background, gender, location, or experience, access to appropriate support at the right time can be life changing.”
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 have the needs of young people at their core.
“Young people are showing they’re aware of and care about social, environmental, and personal issues affecting themselves, their peers, and their country,” Ms Nasser said.
“Now is a critical time to make sure young people are heard. Young people can and should create and advise on solutions that will address issues that affect them, other young people, and Australia. The Youth Survey is a way of amplifying the voices of young people, and they are telling us that they want to feel heard in political and decision-making processes.”
