The NSW Youth Survey, now in its 20th year, was conducted between April and August. The findings contained in the Youth Survey Report 2021 highlight the impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young people.

 This is the second year the survey has detailed compelling evidence of the impact of the pandemic in terms of challenges, concerns, experiences and creating barriers to achieving goals.

 Almost 40% of young people surveyed in NSW said that COVID-19 was a barrier to academic achievement, this was notably higher than the national average.

 The percentage of young people in NSW who said they felt lonely all or most of the time (28.2%) was higher than the national average (24.9%).

 Coping with stress (54.1%), mental health (39%) and body image (38.4%) were the top three issues of personal concern for young people in Whyalla.    

 Mission Australia’s State Director Nada Nasser said: “Young people are showing they’re aware of and care about social, environmental and personal issues affecting themselves, their peers and their country.”

“The findings shed light on how young people are coping with the pandemic. Listening to and acting on their detailed insights is vital as we round out our second year of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now is a critical time to make sure young people are heard. Young people can and should create and advise on solutions that will address issues that affect them, other young people, and Australia.

"The Youth Survey is a way of amplifying the voices of young people, and they are telling us that they want to feel heard in political and decision-making processes.”

“These responses are given in the context of a growing movement for action on climate change as well as natural disasters and extreme weather events, and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic such a lockdowns.

 This is the first time, COVID-19 is the most important national issue according to young people in NSW, rising from second place in 2020 (36.2%) to number one in 2021 (47.8%).

The survey responses reveal the pandemic and associated public health responses had a negative effect on young people’s health, wellbeing and education.

Young people said COVID-19 and the related lockdowns had adversely impacted their participation in activities (69.7%), education (67.2%) and mental health (54.2%).

Female respondents reported feeling much more impacted by COVID-19 across almost all areas when compared with male respondents. 

“Without the right supports and policy settings in place, there is a real concern the pandemic will have long-term impacts on young people,” Ms Nasser said.

 Following COVID-19 as the top national issue, young people say the environment (36.9%) is a key national issue – more than doubling since 2012(17.2), and over one quarter (26.0%) are extremely or very concerned about climate change.

Ms Nasser says these figures taken together with survey respondent comments show climate change is taking a psychological toll on young people across Australia.

“Concerns about the lack of action on climate change in Australia during the past several years has affected the mental health of young people. We should all be concerned about the impacts of this on young people, who are tomorrow’s workers, parents and carers,” Ms Nasser said.

“Our Youth Survey 2021 reveals cause for optimism in many respects, and that many young people are doing well while taking on 2021’s challenges.

Four in 10 (43.8%) NSW young people indicated high levels of confidence in their ability to achieve their study or work goals.

More than half (52.8%) of NSW young people indicated overall happiness with their lives.

“But we know that more must be done to ensure young people have ample opportunities to access education, employment and services when they need them, particularly as we move toward pandemic recovery and a ‘COVID-normal’ existence. Regardless of a young person’s background, location or experience, access to appropriate support at the right time can be life changing,” Ms Nasser said.