A recent report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre sheds light on the pressing concerns of young Australians, emphasizing the need for action on mental health, cost of living, and education reform. The report, titled ‘Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world,’ reflects the sentiments of individuals aged 14 to 25, highlighting their challenges and aspirations for change.
Professor Astghik Mavisakalyan, a co-author of the report and Principal Research Fellow at the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, underscores the necessity for policies that better address the struggles faced by young people today. Financial stress, escalating HECS debts, mental health issues, and uncertainties about the future are among the significant issues plaguing the younger generation.
The report reveals that mental health concerns, particularly among young women, have intensified in recent years, with a notable increase in psychological distress levels. Social connectedness is on the decline, despite the prevalence of social media, leaving many youths feeling isolated and unsupported.
Cost of living pressures have emerged as the foremost worry for young Australians, with a substantial portion citing it as a personal concern. Social media’s impact on mental well-being remains a growing concern, with a significant portion of frequent users reporting anxiety and stress.
The report also highlights growing dissatisfaction with the higher education system, particularly critiquing policies like the HECS-HELP structure and the Job-ready Graduates Package for disproportionately burdening young individuals. Concerns are raised about mounting debt, reduced take-home pay, and the lack of equitable access to education.
Despite a slight decline in climate change ranking as a top priority, the report indicates that the youth remain committed to environmental activism. However, there is a noted disengagement from politics, with a lack of trust in the political process among young Australians.
Professor Mike Dockery, another co-author of the report, stresses the importance of real action in addressing the concerns of young people. The upcoming Federal election is seen as a crucial opportunity to engage younger voters and address their pressing issues, failing which could lead to further alienation of an entire generation.
The ‘Youth in Focus’ report offers a comprehensive analysis of the priorities and perspectives of young Australians, providing valuable insights to guide future policy developments. It underscores the urgent need for reforms in mental health support, cost of living alleviation, and education accessibility to better cater to the needs of the younger population.
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