Youth Survey 2023

For 22 years, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey has given young people a platform to be heard. In 2023, 19,501 young people aged 15–19 shared what matters most: the environment, equity and discrimination, the economy and financial pressures, mental health, and — rising fast — housing and homelessness. There’s good news. Most young people are studying or working, many are active in their communities, and a majority are satisfied with their studies or jobs. But too many are doing it tough: one quarter reported high psychological distress, one in five felt lonely most or all of the time, and a third see real barriers to achieving their study or work goals — led by mental health, academic pressure and money.

Key findings

• 19,501 respondents aged 15–19, from every state and territory
• Top national issues: environment (44%), equity and discrimination (31%), economy and financial matters (31%), mental health (30%); housing and homelessness rose to 19%
• Wellbeing: 25% reported high psychological distress; 21% felt lonely most or all of the time
• Study and work: 63% were satisfied with their studies; 67% were satisfied with their jobs
• Barriers to goals (among those reporting barriers): mental health (42%), academic ability (37%), financial difficulty (29%)
• Support and connections: 29% found it hard to turn to friends or family when they needed help; 88% were involved in community activities or groups

Methodology

The Youth Survey uses a mixed-methods design combining fixed-response items with open-ended questions. In 2023, 19,501 respondents completed the survey online. Results are reported nationally and by gender and jurisdiction, with thematic analysis of free-text responses and standardised measures across wellbeing, education, employment and community connection.

What young people say would help

Across school, mental health and relationships, young people most often asked for: easier access to timely, affordable mental health care understanding and flexibility from teachers and parents about stress and workload help to study smarter and manage time feeling safe to ask for support and having someone who will listen.