Recent studies indicate that overlooking health and developmental challenges in young Australians results in a staggering annual cost of $22.3 billion to the country.

“Final year exams are not just about getting into university; they’re about asking, ‘Am I pursuing a degree that will lead to a stable job and financial security?’ Such security is deeply connected to housing and overall affordability,” experts note.

“Unfortunately, these experiences of discrimination are even more pronounced for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as for children and young people with disabilities,” they added.

While a little over half of respondents had mixed or uncertain feelings, 11% expressed feelings of worry.

When questioned about the major challenges their generation will confront in the future, top concerns included financial security and housing at 43%, mental health and wellbeing at 39%, and online safety and the rapid pace of digital change at 32%.

A little over half had mixed or unsure feelings, and 11 per cent feel worried.

When asked what they think the biggest challenges their generation will face as they grow up, the top concerns were financial security and housing (43 per cent), mental health and wellbeing (39 per cent) and online safety and the pace of digital change (32 per cent).

Source: SBS News

When asked what they would change if they were put in charge of Australia, 41 per cent of children said they would make housing cheaper and easier for young people to afford.

Providing more financial support to struggling families and remote communities, and creating safer, violence-free neighbourhoods and communities were key focuses for 34 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

Cost of late intervention

This is equivalent to $838 for every person in Australia every year or $2,704 for every child and young person birth to 24 years of age.