Mission Australia has released the results of its annual Youth Survey, the largest survey of young people in Australia. There were 17,480 respondents to the survey, aged 15-19 years.
This year, the biggest issue for young people by far was cost of living, with more than half of young people (56%) identifying this as the top national issue. This was followed by climate change and the environment; violence, safety and crime; and discrimination and equality.
Alcohol and other drugs
A majority of young people believed that alcohol (55%) and drugs (64%) are a problem in Australia.
Overall, 18% reported that alcohol was a problem for their family or friends and 13% reported that drugs were a problem for family or friends.
One respondent noted, “[The biggest personal challenge I faced in the past year was] the challenge of staying away from drugs and alcohol and trying not to be peer pressured.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people identified alcohol and other drugs as the third-most important issue in Australia. 44% believed alcohol was a problem in their community, and 28% believed alcohol was a problem for their family and friends. This indicates that alcohol and drugs were viewed as a greater concern by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people than by the respondents as a whole.
The Youth Survey also asked young people where they accessed information about the risk of drugs and alcohol. Most said they accessed this information from teachers and schools (60%), via news or advertising (43%) and via social media (42%).
Knowing how young people are affected by alcohol and other drugs, and what they are seeing in their communities, is crucial to understanding how to best support them. The Youth Survey provides a valuable snapshot of what is important to young people, and the issues they are facing.
