Mission Australia released its Youth Survey 2025 report on 27 November, revealing that cost of living pressures have surged to the highest of young Australians’ concerns, with nearly two-thirds of respondents naming it as probably the most pressing national issue. The findings reflect responses from greater than 17,000 young people aged 14 to 19.
The annual survey by the national Christian charity shows a pointy and sustained shift in what matters most to young Australians, who’re increasingly anxious about economic strain and its impacts on their every day lives. Alongside the price of living (64%), respondents identified mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%), and housing and homelessness (25%) as major issues requiring national attention.
Cost of living has emerged because the dominant concern for the second yr in a row, rising from 31% in 2023 to 53% in 2024 and reaching its highest level this yr for the reason that query was introduced in 2010. Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister said the rapid escalation shows how deeply rising prices are shaping young people’s wellbeing and worldview.
“It’s a record we never desired to see broken,” said Callister. “Young persons are telling us that the strain of rising prices and never having money for basic essentials is taking a toll on their mental health and their outlook on life.”
Housing and homelessness is one other concern. In summer last yr, Christian Daily International reported data from Mission Australia highlighting one-in-ten teenagers surveyed had experienced homelessness within the country. This data got here from a 2023 youth survey by Mission Australia for its ‘The Unfair Divide’ youth homelessness report published on Aug. 1, 2024.
Of the youths aged 15 to 19 suffering homelessness on the time, the experiences ranged from living with or without families, spending time with out a fixed address, living in a refuge or temporary accommodation or just isolating themselves because they felt unable to return to a house setting.
Findings from the prior report also showed recently homeless youths suffered greater challenges than their peers from stable homes. They were more prone to endure mental health illnesses (41% versus 13%), loneliness (47% versus 18%), problems fitting in with society (46% versus 26%), financial woes, and strained family relationships (34% versus 5%).
In the 2025 survey, the difficulty remained an “issue of national concern” for children with the proportion of young people expressing concern doubling since 2022.
“One in 4 young persons are nervous about housing and homelessness, they’re witnessing and experiencing it at higher levels than ever before,” Callister said.
“Young persons are watching their family and friends struggle to pay bills or afford stable housing, and it’s impacting them. This points to an urgent need for more investment in social and inexpensive housing, youth-specific housing – like Youth Foyers; and practical supports that could make an actual difference,” he said.
A 3rd dominating concern for young people is mental health. It is deemed each a serious national issue and a private concern for them.
Two in five (39%) young people reported stress related to their mental health and wellbeing. Nearly one in five (19%) reported experiencing high levels of psychological distress within the weeks before the survey.
“Stress and anxiety are affecting young people’s education, work and every day lives,” Callister said. “It’s causing them to miss school, impacting their confidence and motivation. Young people want access to support and resources so that they can get help before the problems escalate.”
However, Mission Australia also reported “some excellent news” from its latest survey, in comparison with figures within the two prior years regarding some wellbeing indicators for mental health, which show improvements. These include reductions in loneliness and psychological distress.
More young persons are saying they feel a way of control over their lives and positivity concerning the future, in accordance with the charity.
“We want our young people to know that we’re listening and are grateful to them [for] sharing an element of their lives with us,” Callister said. “Youth Survey highlights the complex realities facing young people across Australia.
“From economic pressures to mental health challenges and experiences of discrimination, young persons are navigating a variety of private and societal issues. Their responses reveal not only the difficulties they encounter, but in addition their aspirations, values and desire to shape a positive future.”
Mission Australia is now urging governments, schools, communities and families to reflect on the findings and to work “in real partnership” with young people.
“By listening deeply and acting with purpose, we will construct a future where every young person feels supported, included and empowered to achieve their potential,” added Callister.
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