Mission Australia urges young people to speak up in Youth Survey 2019

They often say that the young don’t have a voice and Mission Australia is urging 15-19-year-olds across Australia to speak up on personal concerns and broader issues that are important to them by participating in Youth Survey 2019 before it closes on 9th August 2019. 

Celebrating the annual survey’s 18th birthday this year, the charity is seeking a record number of young people to come to the party and have a say in Youth Survey 2019. With more than 28,000 young people participating in 2018, Mission Australia has a goal to reach well over 30,000 participants in celebration of the milestone.

Mission Australia hopes that with more participation this year, the charity will be able to provide a broader overview of the issues that are important to the health, mental health and wellbeing of young people across the country. The survey results will be released in November and will be used to advocate on behalf of young people.

This year’s Youth Survey includes some new focus questions to better understand young people’s thoughts around bullying, disability and whether young people feel they have enough of a say about the issues that affect them.

Each year, the Youth Survey provides a valuable snapshot of young Australians and offers many important insights that informs Mission Australia’s work, that of other community groups as well as government decision makers.

Mission Australia CEO James Toomey encourages young people across the nation to undertake Australia’s largest annual nationwide poll of young people.

“The views of Australian young people are invaluable. By taking an annual temperature check to find out what’s happening in their lives, it means that organisations like Mission Australia have access to current evidence so we can be a powerful voice on their behalf for the services and broader policy changes that they need, and that are proven to work.

“There are a large number of schools, community youth groups, sporting teams, community service organisations and church groups that take part in the Youth Survey every year, and many more have come on board for the first time this year. We hope to see even more schools and groups join in and participate before it closes in early August. The more young people who get involved and who add their voice, the more inclusive, insightful and representative of the broader youth community the results will be,” said Toomey. 

In 2018, four in 10 (43%) young people identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia – up from 34% in 2017 and doubling since 2016. The top three personal concerns were coping with stress (43%), school or study problems (34%) and mental health (31%).

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2019 is open to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia. To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. Share the word using #YouthSurvey2019 #YouthSurvey18thBirthday

The survey closes on 9th August 2019, with results to be released in late November.