Over 4,000 children and young people have provided feedback to the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People to set the directions of the first NSW Government Strategic Plan for Children and Young People.

In consultations held with children and young people aged between four and 24, conducted by the Advocate across NSW, children and young people were clear about what makes a good society for them.

“The top five qualities of a good society, as described by children and young people are: respect, equality, safety, a supportive environment, and having a voice,” Mr Andrew Johnson, NSW Advocate for Children and Young People said.

The results of the consultations were backed by related polling* commissioned by the Advocate. Children and young people aged 14-24 years reported that the top four keys to a good society for children and young people are: support (26%); safety (26%); education (22%); tolerance (21%); and respect (19%).

The same polling also revealed that the greatest hopes of children and young people in NSW are that they will help to make the world a better place, be better educated, and achieve their goals and dreams.

Polling also brought to light that more than one third (33%) of children and young people cite their parents or guardians as their heroes. Interestingly only one in ten stated that celebrities were their heroes.

At least three in five children and young people have participated in volunteering in the last 12 months saying that their wish to do good and give back to the community as their reason for doing so.

“This generation of young people are motivated to bring a positive change to the world they live in. When asked what their hopes for the future are, the top response was to make the community a better place. Three in five NSW children and young people have undertaken volunteer work; their motivations for doing so were overwhelmingly to give back to the community.

“Many children are doing it tough particularly those experiencing homelessness. In the State wide consultations, addressing homelessness was a key concern for all children and young people,” Mr Johnson added.

To find out more about the Strategic Plan for Children and Young People and how to get involved, please refer to our website at www.acyp.nsw.gov.au

*Galaxy research, July 2015, n=959

Editorial note:In January, Mr Andrew Johnson was appointed as the first NSW Advocate for Children and Young People. The Advocate’s legislated functions include promoting the wellbeing of all children and young people in NSW aged 0-24 years, and promoting their participation in the decisions that affect their lives.

For more information, please contact: Una O’Neill Email: media@acyp.nsw.gov.au Phone (02) 92867208/ 0439346249