Young Australians' concerns about the issue that worries them most are rising as quickly as the issue itself: the cost of living.
It is the first time the cost of living has ranked number one in Mission Australia's annual Youth Survey Report, which surveyed 17,400 young people aged 15 to 19.
The percentage of young people concerned about this issue has more than doubled in the past two years – and it is by far their biggest concern, the survey shows.
Australia's largest youth survey found the top national issues were cost of living (56 percent), climate change and the environment (27 percent), violence, safety and crime (25 percent) and mental health (23 percent).
Mission Australia said the 'economy and financial affairs' category has been renamed 'cost of living' to better reflect the responses received.
Previous top issues of national importance, such as the environment, became less important as people struggled to make ends meet, says Sharon Callister, CEO of Mission Australia.
It reflected the need for more financial support to help alleviate financial difficulties, such as increasing job seeker rates, Youth Allowance and Commonwealth Rent Assistance, she said.
“While climate change remains a major issue for young people, ranking second this year, it currently takes a back seat to the pressing financial challenges many face as a result of Australia's cost of living crisis,” she said.
'It threatens the future of young people'
Cairns student Evie Evans, 15, said the cost of living was not an issue for her family, “but I do think it is a major issue facing Australia today”.
“I've noticed my friends struggling with it. I've noticed people at school struggling with it, and I think it's only going to get worse in the coming years, and it threatens the future of young people in Australia,” she says. said.
Insights from the annual Youth Survey are shared with parents, educators, policy makers, community services and those who support young people.
More than one in five (22 percent) young people have faced major mental health problems in the past year and one in five considered mental health to be their biggest personal challenge.
Nearly one in three (30 percent) were worried or extremely concerned about managing stress, while one in five (21 percent) 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,” says Callister.
“This stark reality highlights the urgent need for greater mental health support and mental health awareness.”
Violence, safety and crime (25 percent) were the other big risers to third place – up from sixth place in 2023 to 18 percent, and 10 percent in 2022.
Housing and homelessness (17 percent) remain prominent among the top 10 national issues.
“Young people know Australia is facing a housing and homelessness emergency. That's why we need much greater investment in social and affordable housing, more focus on preventing homelessness and more youth housing options like Youth Foyers,” Callister said.
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