The survey has been running for more than two decades and is the largest of its kind.
Young people can provide insights into their challenges, concerns, experiences and barriers to achieving their goals.
The survey is a chance for young people to share their perspective on range of key issues like COVID-19 impacts and economic and societal issues such as climate change, housing insecurity, work and study barriers and mental health concerns.
Mission Australia’s state director Nada Nasser said young people had been faced with challenges never encountered by previous generations and emphasised the importance of providing a platform for them.
“We know from our youth survey that young people are extremely resilient and they care about their futures, as well as the people and world around them,” Ms Nasser said.
“We also know that they’re experiencing unique challenges, such as high levels of psychological distress and are less happy than they were just two years ago.
“Young people are also navigating the ever-evolving pressures of things like social media and the global pandemic, both which obviously didn’t exist when we started this survey over two decades ago.
“Teenagers have borne the brunt of the economic and psychological consequences of the pandemic and they must be included in planning and decision-making that affect them, their peers, families, communities and Australia.
“That’s why we continue to prioritise creating space through our youth survey for young people to share their thoughts and concerns.
“Results are provided to government and non-government organisations to inform design and delivery of policies, initiatives and services that impact young people’s lives.”
Last year, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2021 was completed by more than 4601 young people in Victoria between April and August.
COVID-19 (48.3 per cent), the environment (43.0per cent), equity and discrimination (37.2per cent) and mental health (37.2per cent) topped the key issues in 2021 that young people feel Australia must address.
The top three areas Victorian young people identified as being negatively impacted by COVID-19 were participation in activities (78.4per cent), education (77.7per cent) and mental health (68.9per cent).
A notably higher proportion of Victorian females identified their mental health was negatively impacted by COVID-19 (76.3per cent compared with 54.8per cent of males).
Compared with all respondents nationally, Victorian young people experienced greater negative impacts of COVID-19 across almost all areas.
The survey takes 20 minutes to complete.
Young people can record their responses online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website.
Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2022 is open until August 12.
Take part in the at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey
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