Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country.

Celebrating its 25^th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on the issues impacting the country, their aspirations and insights into their schooling and home life.

In 2025, more than 4,000 NSW young people completed the survey, naming cost of living (66 percent), mental health (31 percent), climate change and the environment (25 percent), and housing and homelessness (23 percent), as the most important issues in Australia today.

Mission Australia State Director NSW and ACT Di Kapera said the Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to understand what young people across the state are going through.

“We’ve been doing the Youth Survey for 25 years now, and it continues to give us valuable data on a group whose perspectives are often missing or ignored,” Ms Kapera said.

“In 2025, for the second year in a row, cost of living was the number one issue of concern for NSW respondents.

“Young people told us that the high cost of housing and everyday essentials was impacting them and their families.

“We expect that this year’s survey will once again reflect the fact that many families around the country are doing it tough.

“They’re struggling to find affordable housing, pay the bills and put food on the table, with many parents making sacrifices so their children don’t miss out.”

Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government, non-government organisations, local councils, schools and the public.

“Data from the survey is utilised by a variety of organisations, educators and government stakeholders to inform policies, research and the creation of programs and services that assist young people,” Ms Kapera said.

“We aim to get responses that span a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and locations so that the survey reflects the diversity of our state.”

The survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, study and work.

This year’s survey will include some new areas of focus, including questions on the teen social media ban, the changes to their neighbourhoods that would impact young people’s lives, and barriers to participating in community events.

Youth Survey 2026 is open from March 19 to August 14 and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Respondents can complete the survey online, either through arrangements with participating schools or groups or individually through Mission Australia’s website.

Go to www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.