亚洲色吧

Researchers from the University of 亚洲色吧 have taken a closer look at what is important to Australia's young people in a new report.

In Dr Carly Stagg, Georgia Breakey and Dr Mark Kohler from the University's School of Psychology, analysed more than 5500 free text responses from students who participated in the 2024 Resilience Survey.

The Resilience Survey is organised in collaboration with Resilient Youth Australia and is an anonymous, online measure of wellbeing and resilience completed by students aged 7 to 18 years.

The quantitative findings from almost 150,000 students and analysis of wellbeing trends were published in the Resilient Youth: State of the Nation Report 2024 earlier this year.

"The large-scale, confidential format of the survey provides a rare opportunity for students to speak openly and honestly about what matters to them, revealing insights often not visible to parents, teachers and professionals," says report lead author Dr Stagg.

"At the conclusion of the survey, students are asked if you could magically do anything, what is one thing you would do to support the wellbeing of young people?鈥�

"Their responses were analysed using qualitative research methods to identify key patterns in how young people understand wellbeing and propose solutions.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 most striking from this research is how many students, some as young as 7 or 8 years, see wellbeing as deeply connected to broader issues.

"Their solutions are not just focused on personal needs and coping strategies but include the need for economic, social, and community-level change.鈥�

Digital wellbeing was front of mind with secondary students expressing concerns about screen time, cyberbullying, and online safety. Many called for healthier digital habits and safer online environments. Even primary students recognised the impact of screen time on wellbeing.

Dr Stagg said vaping was the most mentioned health concern among secondary students, with additional concerns about alcohol, smoking, and other drug use. Notably, some primary students also raised vaping as a wellbeing issue.

"Bullying remains a top priority, with students across all ages calling for greater kindness, inclusivity, and support to reduce bullying, peer pressure, and social judgment," she said.

Students also proposed smaller class sizes, better facilities, therapy animals, and quiet spaces, with many advocating for reduced homework, flexible hours, and later start times to make school more supportive and less stressful.

"The students linked wellbeing to financial stress, poverty, and access to essentials like food, housing, and recreational activities," says Dr Stagg.

"Safety and violence prevention also featured prominently, with students identifying the need to address abuse, weapons access, and global conflict.

"Students' responses reflect a very nuanced understanding of wellbeing that extends beyond personal experiences.

"Many students demonstrated awareness of how broader cultural, societal, political, and economic factors shape their lives, highlighting the need for wellbeing approaches that are both individually supportive and responsive to wider community contexts."

Dr Kohler said the findings reinforce the importance of ensuring young people are active contributors to the design of solutions that affect them.

鈥淭here is a lot of talk but very few solutions about how we are going to deal with the enormous challenge of youth mental health in Australia," says Dr Mark Kohler.

鈥淭he Voices Report is a clear reminder that asking young people themselves is too often overlooked or considered unimportant by adults.鈥�

Resilient Youth Australia Director Dr Andrew Wicking said the report was a powerful document which captured the unfiltered voices of young Australians.

"More than 5000 students have shared not just what shapes their wellbeing, but clear and creative ideas about what they need - reminding us why young people must be trusted partners in shaping solutions," he said.

Further analyses are underway, including focused studies on student views related to digital technology and wellbeing, and school-based wellbeing solutions.