The Young Voices of the Pandemic: Youth Survey COVID Report 2020

Mission Australia have recently released a report titled “The Young Voices of the Pandemic: Youth Survey COVID Report 2020”. The report is based on survey findings of 25 800 young Australians aged between 15 and 19 conducted from April to August 2020. It reflects their perspective, reflections and experience of living through the covid-19 pandemic. The report found that females (58.7%) were more likely than males (34.5%) to report personal concerns from covid-19 relating to isolation, worry about mental health and education (however, 65.2% females compared to 41.2% males completed the survey which may explain some proportional difference). There was also a higher proportion of these young people (38.2%) living in Victoria who at the time experienced the largest outbreak and longest lockdown.  

Of respondents that spoke about personal concerns relating to COVID-19, 30.3% were in relation to mental health concerns. Topics raised in this area covered stressful family circumstances, limited support, lack of motivation and stress about uncertainty.  49 respondents raised serious mental health concerns including self reports of anxiety / depression, and thoughts or attempts at self-harm. Respondents proposed solutions including more access to mental health education, counsellors and existing support people like youth workers.   

Go to “The Young Voices of the Pandemic: Youth Survey COVID Report 2020”.