Mission Australia is calling on young Australians to help highlight important issues in their lives by having their say in the charity’s 2009 National Youth Survey.
The survey is Australia’s largest annual check on the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 11-24. Last year more than 45,000 young people took part.
In launching the 2009 survey, Mission Australia’s head of Research and Social Policy, Anne Hampshire, said it gave young Australians a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.
“In 2008, when asked to rank 14 issues by level of importance, body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 26.3 per cent of respondents,” Ms Hampshire said.
“Drugs was the next top concern at 26 per cent while family conflict came in third at 25.9 per cent.
“Significantly, concern among young Australians about drugs rose from one-in-five respondents in 2007 to one-in-four in 2008.
“The increase in concern about drugs was most notable among the 11-14 age group who were twice as likely as 20-24 year olds to identify it as a major issue.
“Young people’s concerns are so volatile – they jump around from year to year – 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.”
Ms Hampshire said Mission Australia’s national youth survey aimed to get a richer understanding of young people’s thoughts and opinions.
“The results of the survey assist Mission Australia, other agencies, governments at all levels – as well as schools, parents and families – better understand young people.
“For example, community groups and social policy makers use the information to evaluate and improve their youth programs and services.
“We’re particularly interested this year to see what impact the economic downturn is having on young people. For example, if their concern about financial security has increased,” said Ms Hampshire.
Mission Australia’s 2009 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, 26 June with the results to be published later in the year.
- To read about 2008's results please click here.
- Media contact: Patrick Flynn 0407 411 256/ 02 9641 5031
0 comments:
Post a Comment