Mission Australia ’s 2008 National Survey of Young Australians has highlighted body image, drugs and family conflict as the biggest worries for 11-24 year olds.

Most of all, it’s drugs that are increasingly weighing on their minds. 

These were the top four issues:

1. Drugs: The increased level of concern around drugs, especially for 11 to 14 year olds and male respondents, supports the need for enhanced education programs and strategies that take account of age and gender.

2. Stress and depression: Young adults continue to be particularly concerned about coping with stress and depression, and there is an ongoing need to put strategies in place to assist young adults with these issues.

3. Body image: Perhaps contrary to expectations, concern about body image increased with age.

This suggests the need for strategies targeting young people into early adulthood including through their workplaces, community groups, higher educational institutions, online and the media.

4. Personal safety: The level of concern around the new item personal safety was consistent for all age groups and both genders and was higher than expected.

Mission Australia believes that ensuring the safety of young people in the range of environments in which they engage should be a national priority. This will require concerted efforts from a diversity of individuals and institutions including families, educational institutions, governments and the broader community.

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