In
launching the 2013 survey, Mission Australia’s Youth Services Manager, Adrian
McCann, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the
information being used to help community groups and governments plan and
develop youth services.
“Mission
Australia’s annual national youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young
people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main
challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,”
said Mr McCann.
“Responses
to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and
develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people
themselves.”
When
asked what they thought was the biggest issue facing the nation, young
Australians in last year’s survey overwhelmingly chose ‘the economy’.
Accompanying
the increase in concern around financial matters was the number of comments –
many by children as young as 15 – about the need to get a job and contribute
financially to keep their family afloat.
The
leading issues of personal concern to young people in 2012 were coping with
stress, school or study problems and body image with 43 per cent of young women
significantly concerned about the latter.
“The
range of concerns – from financial matters to stress, family conflict and body
image –suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the
transition from adolescence to adulthood.
“We’ve
also taken the opportunity to refresh the survey – now in its 12th year
– and make it more relevant than ever.
“In
addition to the questions we’ve asked every survey, this year we’re also asking
young Territorians about their future job aspirations, how much time they spend
on the internet and their perceptions around local job opportunities,” said Mr
McCann.
Mission
Australia’s 2012 Youth Survey can be completed online: missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey
The
survey closes on Friday, 28 June with the results to be published later this
year.
