Clusters of COVID-19 Impact

Clusters of COVID-19 Impact:

Identifying the impact of COVID-19 on Young Australians in 2021

This report reveals the alarming impact of the once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic with data analysed from Mission Australia’s 2021 Youth Survey – an annual Australia-wide survey of more than 20,000 young people aged 15-19.

Orygen and Mission Australia have detailed the types of impacts experienced by young people during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the particular groups of young people who have faced more challenges. The report also details how the experience of different and multiple impacts relate to increases in stress, loneliness, and psychological distress, as well as decreases in feelings of control, happiness and mental health and wellbeing.

This partnership between Orygen and Mission Australia has helped to build on findings and identify potential implications for policy and practice focusing on mental health, education and employment approaches, research and housing. These are detailed in this report, highlighting the need to make concerted and continued efforts to support this generation in recovering from the disruptions and challenges faced as a consequence of the pandemic.

Take a look at the key findings and recommendations in the report summary