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The 20s are often considered the happiest years of life. Yet most young people feel far from this idyllic reality, according to an Australian study. Under constant pressure and overwhelming expectations, they have the disturbing feeling that their youth is slipping away.
A recent studyconducted by Monash University, highlights this generational malaise: 45% of young Australians aged 18 to 24 feel they are missing out on their youth. The reasons for this feeling are multiple: finances, work, education and long-term planning are at the heart of the concerns.
“Young people, locked up during the pandemic and facing a disrupted professional and educational environment, told us that they had not enjoyed their youth.“, says Professor Walsh, director of the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, in a communicatedThis feeling is shared by 60% of young people who often encounter financial difficulties, 51% of unemployed young people and 69% of young people who often worry about not having enough to eat.
Financial insecurity, academic pressure or lack of time also limit their ability to take risks, explore and enjoy their youth. More than half of these young people say they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their academic learning. They blame it for not preparing them enough for adult life, “to cope with difficult situations, such as financial stress or making important life decisions“. These concerns affect their optimism and prevent them from planning for the long term. Thus, among young people who often think they are missing out on their youth, more than half consider buying a house unlikely, and do not want to have children in the future. Not feeling like they are living their youth to the full, these young people cannot plan for projects that are markers of adult life.
Yet the study highlights what young people want and need to thrive: more support from institutions, including government. More than half of them believe that government efforts in mental health, education and employment are insufficient.
“This report illustrates the challenges young people face to survive, thrive and live their youth to the fullest. It shows their resilience and optimism despite the lack of institutional support, while providing clear recommendations for policymakers to help future generations thrive.“, concludes Andrew Leap, co-author of the study.