Media release - 9 April 2025

An opportunity to celebrate the young people of NSW

NSW Youth Week commences this week, with hundreds of events taking place across NSW
between 9 and 17 April. In the lead up to Youth Week, the NSW Advocate for Children and
Young People, Ms Zoë Robinson, undertook polling to understand how young people are
feeling about life right now.

"Youth Week is a vital opportunity for young people to connect, celebrate, and have their
voices amplified. The survey results show us what issues young people are most concerned
about. Our annual polling data tells us that there are ongoing concerns regarding the cost of
living, housing affordability, and mental health,” Ms Robinson said.

"It's clear that cost of living and mental health remain significant issues for young people in NSW. The demand for accessible mental health services, education, and financial support
tell us there is room for improvement when it comes to access. We need to listen to these
voices and identify where we can improve."

Key findings from this year's Youth Week Polling* include:

• For the third consecutive year, young people have said the cost of living is their top
  concern, with 38% highlighting it as the main issue facing young people. In regional
  areas, 32% mentioned it unprompted.
• Bullying is a concern for 28% of regional young people, compared to 18% in metro
  NSW.
• Mental health, unemployment, and affordable housing are equally pressing,
  impacting 23% of all young people surveyed.

This year's Youth Week theme, ‘I am… We are the future, and the future is now!,’ invites
young people to complete the sentence with their own defining qualities, highlighting their
individuality and potential as future leaders. From showcasing talents to advocating for
community change, Youth Week offers a platform for young voices to be heard.

Ms Robinson highlighted the importance of Youth Week in fostering a sense of community
and empowerment.

"Youth Week is more than just events; it's about recognising the strength and resilience of
young people. By providing platforms for self-expression and advocacy, we are investing in
the future leaders of our state," said Ms Robinson.

NSW Youth Week 2025, running from 9 to 17 April, is set to empower young people across
the state to celebrate their unique strengths and collective power. With a theme that
encourages self-expression, young people aged 12 to 24 are invited to participate in a
diverse range of free activities, events, and competitions hosted by councils, youth
organisations, and schools.

Young people are encouraged to participate in Youth Week 2025 by attending live events,
showcasing their talents, and advocating for their community's needs. For more information and to find events happening near you, visit Youth Week 2025.

For more information or to arrange an interview with the Advocate for Children and Young People please contact: Anwen Ruttle on 0439 346 249 or at: media@acyp.nsw.gov.au.

*Data drawn from ACYP’s 2025 Youth Week Survey of n=2,000 children and young people aged 10-
24 from across NSW. The research was conducted in partnership with SEC Newgate Research, which is a member of The Research Society and The Australian Polling Council.