Youth And Stress

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Life (611)      Life Skills (425)      Stress (65)      Balance (59)      Youth (2)     

I read recently of the concern today's youth feel about their ability to deal with stress. A survey found many are worried they do not have the skills and knowledge to cope with the increasing level of stress in modern society. And my generation thought all they were concerned about was video games, pop concerts, partying, skateboarding and perhaps study.


Every year since 2001 Mission Australia has conducted the Youth Survey, a survey of young people aged 15 to 19. The number involved in the survey has increased and nearly 22,000 were involved in 2016. The survey shows what young people are concerned and worried about.

The annual survey has shown an increasing number of young people don't feel they are being provided with strategies for dealing with stress. The number of youth feeling highly concerned about coping with stress is now 4 in 10, with 5 in 10 girls being highly concerned.

What do young people feel stressed about?


What are the priorities of young people?
Results from the survey suggest young people are putting more emphasis on career and financial goals than on having a family and community involvement.

Is this because people receive praise for a promotion, increased income or a new job which involves greater responsibilities? Is it because there is so much emphasis on owning a large house with all the mod cons?

A person is less likely to receive praise for their unpaid involvement in a community activity or organisation. Often volunteer work is seen as something a person does to help them get back into the workforce or to keep active during retirement rather than being valid in its own right.

Society as a whole seems to place less value on family and friends than money but research shows solid relationships make people happier and better able to cope with stress.

Older/mature aged people who act as role models often set the example of living a stressed life. Sometimes they are even proud of how 'crazy busy' they are.

The world is changing so quickly. Employment is unstable and changing all the time. Consumerism puts pressure on people to work long hours and for new mothers to return to the workforce.

Older folk are often critical of the younger generation which also puts stress on them. Is it any wonder many young people doubt their ability to cope with the stress they face now and that which they will need to deal with in the future?


# Balance
# Life
# Life Skills
# Stress
# Youth

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