This is the second tracking report for the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People. This report focusses on the 2023 pillars:

1. A good standard of living and
2. Respect and acceptance.

ACYP has demonstrated, and advocated for, transparency when it comes to data. The children and young people who participate in their work want government, business and community to access this data and utilise it in policy, programs and advocacy. It is also important to call out when things are working and have improved in New South Wales and to highlight where we need to continue to support children and young people across the State.

Key statistics from the report include:

• The proportion of children and young people when asked to rate how they felt about their life as a whole, 72% provided a positive rating of 7 or more out of 10 - a significant increase from 65% in 2022.
• Most children and young people remain optimistic about their future, 75% rating a positive 7 or more out of 10 on their hope for getting the education and training they need.
• In 2023, high cost of living was the number one issue highlighted by children and young people in NSW with 35% mentioning it unprompted, up from 8% in 2021.
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing remain a key concern with just over one in five (22%) mentioning it, unprompted, as areas of concern. However, this is down 10% from 2022, when nearly a third (32%) mentioned it as a key issue.
• In 2023, 36% of children and young people had experienced bullying in the past 12 months. Among those children and young people who had experienced bullying in the past 12 months, more than one in three (36%) experienced bullying weekly.