By: Laura Bennett
When you see endless headlines about the “cost-of-living crisis” and pressure on Australians to afford housing, food and bills, it’s easy to assume it’s mums and dads and single professionals bearing the brunt.
The results of Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey however show teenagers between 15-19 years of age are carrying the cost as well, struggling to find appropriate accommodation themselves and wondering what adult future they’ll be walking into.
Some 56% of the 17,400 young people surveyed place concerns about cost-of-living above climate change and the environment, uncertainty about violence, safety and crime, and mental health.
It’s a two-fold increase on previous years’ results and Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister believes government and community agencies should take note.
“We’re helping some of the most disadvantaged people in our community,” Sharon said. “These are young 15–19-year-olds who should be enjoying their education, having a good childhood emerging into adulthood, not having to worry about things like this.
“The survey results give Mission Australia a really good platform to amplify the voices of these young people.”
More Stressful Than Climate Change
Hearing news about financial pressures is one thing, but it’s another to see the real impact it’s having on households. 56% of the young people surveyed place concerns about cost-of-living above climate change and the environment.
“We’re all experiencing it to be frank,” Sharon Callister said. “Whether it’s rising costs of rent, food utilities [people] are genuinely living with it, they’re finding things way more expensive.”
Asked whether extensive media coverage is shaping the concerns of young people, Sharon acknowledges it’s a contributing factor but doesn’t have to be all bad.
“Everyone in the community can’t escape what’s happening in the media,” Sharon said. “But media has a really powerful voice as well, and it can be voices of hope as well as concern.
Mission Australia is looking for “an increase in funding for prevention and early intervention for homelessness.”
“[The media] can help us advocate.”
So, what would Misson Australia like government to do?
“We’re looking for an increase in funding for prevention and early intervention for homelessness,” Sharon said. “Better specialist homelessness services for young people, and in general we need another 1million dwellings in Australia over the next two decades to keep up with the demand.
“That’s what will help young people to thrive and focus on all of the great things that you should be experiencing between the ages of 15 and 19.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: canva
About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.