The entire population has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, young people have been disproportionately impacted through joblessness, disrupted education, reduced social connectedness and increased anxiety about their futures.

Consequently, young people are at greater risk of experiencing loneliness, poor mental health and adverse changes in health behaviours.

In addition, these disruptions have occurred at a critical life stage for young people, when they are already coping with major transitions and the establishment of lifelong health attitudes and behaviours.

While young people are less likely to be hospitalised or die from coronavirus, since July 2020 a large percentage of transmission in Victoria has occurred amongst people under 30, which has added to their anxiety.

Fortunately, young people are also resilient, creative, resourceful and have insight into their own experiences during the pandemic, but it is vital their voices are heard.

This report details the results of the first in a series of surveys of 2,006 young people. It aims to assess the impact of coronavirus restrictions on social connection, loneliness, health behaviours and the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians between March 2020 and March 2021. It shines a light on the experiences of young people – in their own words.