Mission Australia urges young people to speak up in Youth Survey 2020

Mission Australia is urging young people aged 15-19 across Australia to participate in the Youth Survey 2020 before the annual survey closes on Friday 14 August.  

This year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mission Australia says the Youth Survey is an important platform for young people to have their voices heard.

Now in its 19th year, the Mission Australia Youth Survey is the largest online survey of its kind in Australia and provides an important annual snapshot into the experiences and views of young people. It is an opportunity for young people to speak up about their personal aspirations and concerns, and express the issues they think are important in Australia today.

Mission Australia CEO James Toomey revealed early indications of Youth Survey 2020 results, and encouraged more young people across the nation to participate:

“This year has brought with it new challenges which we have had to navigate as a nation. An unprecedented bushfire season, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for many of us, let alone our young people.

“As you would expect, early responses to Youth Survey 2020 so far show that COVID-19 is coming up as a major national issue affecting young people. We are also seeing how experiences of the pandemic are impacting individually on young people’s concerns, particularly their mental health. 

“As young people adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is extremely important that this year in particular, we gather as many young voices as possible before the closing date of 14 August.

“This year’s Youth Survey results will provide up to date evidence to ensure young people are adequately supported through services and broader policy changes.

This year, the survey will continue to have a focus on mental health and wellbeing, with a further look into how young people seek help. The Youth Survey asks new questions around discrimination and transition to employment, along with financial concerns and exclusion.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report 2019 showed young people nominated mental health, the environment and equity and discrimination as the most important issues facing Australia today. 

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2020 is open to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia until 14 August. To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. Share the word using #YouthSurvey2020.

Youth Survey 2020 results will be released in late November.