Media Release: Last days for Australia's youth to have their say

Time is ticking for young people to voice their concerns in the country’s largest annual youth survey.

Conducted by community service organisation, Mission Australia, the 2010 National Youth Survey winds up on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results are to be published later this year.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young Australians – particularly those too young to vote – to tell us their views.

Mission Australia’s head of Research and Social Policy, Anne Hampshire, is calling on young Australians – between 11 and 24 years of age – to participate in this year’s National Youth Survey. The information gathered will be used to help community groups and government to better plan and develop youth services.

“Of particular significance is a new question asking young Australians to list what they view as the top three issues in Australia today, and we feel that this question is especially important for those too young to vote but who still wish to be heard,” says Anne Hampshire.

“Other new questions include one surrounding the level of optimism felt by young Australians about the future, and another asking what should be done about the issues concerning them.

“These questions in particular will help us to develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

In 2009, more than 48,000 young people took part and drugs was ranked most frequently in the top three issues of concern by 26.8 per cent of respondents. Suicide was the next top concern at 26.3 per cent, while body image came in third at 25.5 per cent.

Ms Hampshire says it is important to obtain an annual snapshot of the concerns of young Australians.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“The results of the survey assist Mission Australia, other agencies, governments at all levels – as well as schools, parents and families – to better understand young people,” concluded Ms Hampshire.

Mission Australia’s 2010 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results will be published later in the year.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone ph. 0415 547 626.