Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria faced some of the world's longest and most severe lockdowns, deeply impacting young people. This report, drawing on three years of data from the Australian Youth Barometer, covers the interconnected and ongoing issues faced by young people in both states, including mental health, relationships, finances, housing, work, and education. These findings suggest that the pandemic is not the only factor driving these struggles that young people face. An intersectional approach is needed to understand the complex array of factors that contribute to young people's disadvantaged position in today’s society.

It is important to acknowledge the lived experiences of young people, recognise the hardships many of them face, and consider how best to support them as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download the report: The pandemic years and their impact on young people in New South Wales and Victoria: Insights from the Australian Youth Barometer

Key findings from the report include:

• More than 40% of young people in both NSW and Victoria believed that there was not enough or barely enough government support for mental health.
• An increasing proportion (55.2%) of young people in NSW believed there was not enough or barely enough financial support for young people in 2023. This is compared with a decreasing proportion in Victoria (50.6% in 2023).
• An alarming 63.8% of young people in NSW believed there was not enough or barely enough government support for housing in 2023. Rates drop slightly in Victoria but remain high (59.3%). In both states, almost 70% of young people in 2023 thought affordable housing options for young people needed immediate action.
• Almost half of young people in both states thought employment opportunities for young people needed immediate action.

Overall, young people in NSW and Victoria – two jurisdictions that faced some of the longest and most severe lockdowns in the world – became less optimistic about their future relationships, finance, housing and employment, and less often felt a sense of belonging. Alarmingly, more and more young people believe they'll be financially worse off than their parents and that there was not enough, or barely enough, government support. This widespread negativity can exacerbate mental health challenges, potentially hindering their overall development and wellbeing.

What support is needed?

The report highlights the urgent need for more interconnected and comprehensive support systems. By addressing challenges in one area, we can create positive ripple effects throughout other aspects of young people's lives. Investing in this support is a crucial investment in the future – not only for those in NSW and Victoria but for young Australians nationwide.