A new report from the Monash Center for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) reveals that many young Australians feel they are missing out on being young. The 2022 Australian Youth Barometer, reviewed by CYPEP’s Youth Reference Group, shows why this is happening.

High living costs and the need to juggle work and study mean that 45 percent of Australians aged 18-24 often feel they are missing out on their youth. The report points to four main issues: money, work, education, and long-term plans. These problems are connected and make young people feel they are missing out.

Key findings include:

• 69% of young people worried about food insecurity feel they are missing out on being young.
• 60% facing financial difficulties share this feeling.
• 51% of the unemployed feel the same way.
• 50% of those uncertain about their housing situation feel they are missing out.
• 55% who doubt they will have children in the future feel this way too.

Coping with change

“The report shows how young people are coping with constantly changing and tough situations,” the authors say. “It highlights their strength and hope despite little help from institutions. It also gives decision-makers a guide to help future generations thrive from a youth perspective.”

Lack of support is also a major issue:

• 56% say there is not enough mental health support, making them feel they are missing out on being young.
• 55% report insufficient educational support, feeling similarly.
• 51% find employment support lacking, also leading to feelings of missing out.

“Young people, locked down during the pandemic and dealing with tough job markets and disrupted studies, feel they have missed out on key experiences during an important time in their lives,” the researchers conclude. This report calls for urgent action to help young Australians fully enjoy their youth.