Detailed information on Young Australians

Facts about Young Australians

Australia’s young population is diverse, woke and vocal. Here are facts that make it unique.

Age Group

Young Australians, defined as those aged between 15 and 24 years old, make up around 12% of Australia's population.

Languages

The most common language spoken by young Australians after English is Mandarin, followed by Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Italian.

Marriage

Young Australians are increasingly choosing to delay marriage and children, with the average age of first-time mothers now 30.5 years old and the average age of first-time fathers 33.3 years old.

Education

More than half of young Australians are currently studying or have completed tertiary education, with women slightly more likely to have completed a degree than men.

Tech-Savy

Young Australians are tech-savvy, with 94% of those aged 15-24 using the internet regularly and over 85% owning a smartphone.

Mental Health

Mental health is a significant concern for young Australians, with around one in four experiencing a mental health condition in any given year.

Seeking Help

Despite this, young Australians are more likely to seek help for mental health issues than older generations, with 68% of those aged 18-24 reporting that they would seek help if they needed it.

Accepting

Young Australians are more likely to identify as being part of the LGBTIQ+ community than older generations, with 11% of those aged 18-24 identifying as such.

Unemployment

The unemployment rate for young Australians is higher than for any other age group, with almost 1 in 5 young people unemployed or underemployed.

Environmentally-Conscious

Young Australians are increasingly environmentally conscious, with climate change and environmental sustainability ranking highly on their list of concerns.

Social Media

Social media is a significant part of young Australians' lives, with around 90% using at least one social media platform regularly.

Culturally Diverse

Young Australians are culturally diverse, with over a quarter being born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas.

Young Australians Are Facing a Wide Range Of Issues.

These issues are impacting their lives in significant ways. One of the most pressing issues is mental health, with high rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Many young people are struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life, including academic and career expectations, financial stress, and social media pressures.

One of the greatest challenges for young Australians today is unemployment. Numerous young people struggle to find genuine work because they face great impediments to entering the workforce. In some areas and industries, few prospects have resulted in high youth underemployment and unemployment, and youth are unable to find jobs consistent with their skill, qualification and ambitions.
The rising cost of schooling exacerbates the dilemma. University fees and student loans impose a significant financial burden on both students and graduates, limiting access to higher education, reducing future prospects, and exacerbating wealth inequality. .
Housing affordability presents yet another major concern. Rising property and rental prices have made it more challenging for young people to find secure, affordable housing. Too many are driven into insecure living situations—like share housing or short term leases—which tend to be short on long term security and stability. .
Collectively, these concerns indicate a complex web of interconnected issues that are significantly influencing the lives of young Australians. Addressing them will necessitate a concerted, persistent effort by legislators, educators, businesses and communities to ensure that young people get the support, opportunity and security they require to live healthy, happy and productive lives.

Years of Experience

Young Australians Helped

Volunteers every year

Contributors

How to Help Young Australians?

At Aware Project, we are dedicated to raising awareness about issues young Australians have to tackle every day. Our platform helps educate people and also helps young people in Australia to cope with their problems. Here’s what is necessary to help our youngsters deal with daily challenges.

1.Increased Investment in Mental Health Services

There needs to be a greater investment in mental health services, particularly for young people, to ensure that those who are struggling with mental health issues have access to appropriate support and care. This could involve the development of new mental health programs and services, as well as increased funding for existing services, such as youth mental health clinics and school-based mental health services.
2.Addressing Unemployment & Underemployment

To address high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment, there needs to be a greater focus on developing training programs and vocational education pathways that lead to meaningful employment opportunities. This could include partnerships between education providers, industry, and government to develop training programs that are relevant to the needs of the job market.
3.Affordable Housing Options

To address housing affordability issues, there needs to be a range of affordable housing options available to young people, including social and community housing, rental subsidies, and shared housing models. This could involve partnerships between government, industry, and community organisations to develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of young people.

We Back Our Young People

Aware Project is a safe space for young Australians to get help, information and community.
Join us to get assistance or give it.

What Youngsters Have to Say

Emily

“I recently finished my university degree and have found it extremely difficult to find meaningful employment. The job market is highly competitive and it's hard to stand out in a sea of candidates. I feel like the government needs to do more to support young people in finding work, perhaps by investing in vocational education and training programs that lead to more secure employment opportunities." “

Sarah

“The cost of living in Australia is really high, especially housing. It's tough for young people to find affordable accommodation, particularly in cities where rent is exorbitant. I think there needs to be more investment in social housing and affordable rental options to ensure that everyone has access to safe and secure housing.“

Jack

“Mental health is a major issue facing young people in Australia. It's important that we continue to have open conversations about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it. I believe that investing in mental health services and education in schools will help support young people who are struggling.“

Maya

“I think there needs to be more emphasis on social justice and addressing issues such as racism and discrimination. As a young person, I want to live in a society that values equality and respects diversity. It's important that we have open and honest conversations about these issues and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society.“

Tom

“I'm really concerned about the impact of technology on our lives, particularly social media. It's easy to get caught up in the endless scroll and feel like you're not good enough. I think we need to have more education and awareness about technology addiction and the impact it can have on our mental health.“