Australia’s children are increasingly anxious about what lies ahead, as a groundbreaking report uncovers their growing concerns about housing and the rising cost of living. These mounting worries, coupled with a notable drop in school and community involvement, have sparked urgent calls for enhanced support systems.

Nicola Forrest, a prominent billionaire, has played a pivotal role in funding the first-ever State of Australia’s Children report. The findings of this report highlight the weight of these concerns on young minds. “Children will thrive if they feel safe, if their parents receive adequate support, and if they are surrounded by the right community environment,” Forrest stated. “We have most of those elements in place.”

The survey, which engaged over 2,000 children, revealed that 62 percent of them believe they will face a more challenging future compared to their parents. Moreover, there is a worrisome decline in school engagement, alongside a decrease in participation in sports and community activities.

“If children feel safe, if their parents are supported, if the community around them is the right environment then they will thrive. We’ve got most of those elements,” she said.

The survey of more than 2000 kids found 62 per cent believe they’ll be worse off than their parents, with school engagement declining sport and community participation down.

Over half have experienced cyber bullying.

“We need to make sure young people are in places that are safe and if they’re not safe – find places to connect,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young said.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud called for a rethink of the curriculum.

“Get it back to basics, get it back to life skills,” he said.

Cost of living affects kids as well, with 43 per cent worried about housing and money.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Clare O’Neil announced the third round of builds under the Housing Australia Future Fund, promising 21,000 social and affordable homes.

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis that has been cooking for generations and the single most important thing the Commonwealth government can do is build more houses for Australians,” O’Neil said.

Homelessness Australia chief executive Kate Colvin said it will make “an enormous difference for every one of those homes”.

“We’ve got a lot more to do to step up and fix the homeless crisis,” she said.

Right now homes are being held up by the environmental approvals process and changing those laws is the big fight as MPs return to parliament this week for the final time this year.

“That act is standing in the path of tens of thousands of homes being approved and constructed around our country,” O’Neil said.