A new report released by Mission Australia today provides a glimpse into the minds of young people across the nation, from affluent upbringings to less advantaged backgrounds.
And while young people from both high and low socio-economic areas worry about body image equally, young people from lower socio-economic areas place a higher importance on employment and financial security than young people with affluent upbringings.
Those from high socio-economic areas are more concerned about coping with stress while those young and less advantaged also worry more about bullying, family conflict and emotional abuse.
“This report debunks the stereotype that young people in disadvantaged areas are lazy and lacking in motivation,” Mission Australia CEO Catherine Yeomans told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“They aspire to the same things as all young people: a good job and financial security. In fact, young people living in low SES areas were actually more likely to consider getting a job as important to them.
“But despite these clear ambitions, we know from broader research that young people from low SES areas achieve disproportionately negative outcomes in terms of housing, educational opportunities and wellbeing.”
The report, Location, Vocation, Aspiration draws conclusions from 13,600 young Australians aged between 15 and 19, who took part in a survey for Mission Australia.
Aiming to bring more support to young people in Australia and urging for further government assistance Yeomans says “the postcode you are born into should not determine your opportunities in life.”
