The results from the latest report into young people’s attitudes to social concerns isn’t surprising, because sadly the issues aren’t new.
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Mission Australia released its Youth Survey 2016 report this week, which provided a snapshot from youth across the nation as well as Tasmania.
The results showed the prevalence of drugs and feelings of trust and and safety within the community was of high concern for youth.
However, youth from a lower socio-economic shared more concern than those from high socio-economic regions.
Body image, school and coping with stress were the top personal issues when looking at the overall results.
Personal safety, bullying, mental health and family conflict became personal issues for those in low socio-economic areas.
The commentary attached to the report indicated that a one size fits all approach won’t work to solve the issues.
“One response to social disadvantage that has had proven effects is the implementation of ‘placed-based approaches’ that are collaborations between community organisations, governments and community members,” Mission Australia’s Tasmanian state director Noel Mundy said.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to addressing social disadvantage. Policies and programs must be responsive to local needs if we are going to achieve lasting social change.
“What’s needed is a whole of community response that not only focuses on young people, but builds up strengths within the broader community.”
So what do you do with a report like this?
Youth aren’t often asked what they think. It’s why surveys like this are so important.
Some of these issues require a generation to see the impact.
It’s a cliche, but true, that it takes a village to raise a child. Therefore a collaborative approach is needed.
We have some fantastic programs and resources in our community to address these issues. We must ensure that we continue to find ways to work together where possible. To focus on preventative actions as well support services.
Primarily we have to ensure we are listening to youth and acknowledging their concerns are valid and treated with respect. Most importantly we must work with the youth given they are a major part of the solution.
