Focusing on young people’s housing situation, disability and experiences of discrimination, Mission Australia’s 2021 Youth Survey is now open.
Now in its 20th year, the Youth Survey is the largest online survey of its kind and invites young people aged 15 to 19 share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations to form policies that are important to them.
Mission Australia’s senior leader in the ACT, Dan Strickland, said the survey provides invaluable information “about the views and sentiments of young Australians”.
“It’s frequently referred to by organisations and governments, informs policies, and gives an insight to families and individuals hoping to develop an understanding of what young people are thinking and experiencing,” Mr Strickland said.
“As we all know, issues and concerns arising amid the pandemic are ongoing, and the future for young people is uncertain given the shocks produced by COVID-19.”
The Youth Survey 2020 was completed by more than 25,800 young people aged between 15 and 19, including 1,230 young people in the ACT.
According to Mr Strickland, young people from the ACT nominated equity and discrimination, COVID-19 and the environment as the most important issues facing Australia today.
He said the latest survey will focus on young people’s housing situation, disability, and experiences of discrimination, along with new questions to better understand the impact of COVID-19 and stress management.
“These were topics that were seen to be areas of concern across the ACT,” Mr Strickland said.
“Young people are impacted by world events as well as local events … We know young people are uncertain about their future.
“We hope during this time when so many of our young people deal with these unique challenges caused by the pandemic, they get the chance to share their thoughts.”
One key factor Mr Strickland believes will impact the survey is the cuts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. He said he is interested to hear what young people have to say.
“They can see things happening in their community and are concerned about the future,” he said.
“The 15-to-19-year-olds in our community are our future generational leaders … It’s important to hear from them … this survey gives them a voice.”
Schools, sports teams, community youth groups, religious groups and community service organisations are also urged to encourage their young people to take part in the survey.
“The more young people that complete it, the richer the data is,” Mr Strickland said.
The Youth Survey is scheduled to close on 9 August.
To take part, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey
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