The 2025 Australian Youth Barometer is a survey of more than 520 young Australians aged 18–24, and includes interviews with 30 more, about their experiences with the economy, work, education, health and wellbeing, relationships and participation in civic life. Among these topics, themes emerge: the impact of technology and the role of social media, feelings of belonging and exclusion, financial security (including housing and food insecurity) and the need for governments to offer more support.

A new intergenerational social contract needs to be created that responds to policy and youth transitions inertia; one that addresses rapid change and pervasive uncertainty in the lives of young Australians.

Key findings

• 85% young people aged 18–24 experienced financial difficulties.
• 44% had been unemployed in the previous year.
• 30% thought it likely or extremely likely that they will be able to afford a comfortable place to live in the next 12 months.
• 26% rated their mental health as poor or very poor.
• 99% reported anxiety or pessimism.
• 79% believed they would be worse off financially than their parents.
• 49% felt government housing support was insufficient.
• 24% believed not enough was being done about mental health.