The Pressure Cooker: Young People Are Being Squeezed from All Sides

What's it like being a teenager today? For many, it's like living in a pressure cooker where school, mental health struggles, family issues, lack of housing opportunities and the uncertainty of the future come together in an overwhelming mix. 

The most recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that nearly two in five (38.8%) 16 to 24-year-olds have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

At Anglicare, we see the impact this has on young people. According to the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, 86% of young people reported experiencing financial difficulties, and over half faced underemployment in the last year. Additionally, the youth unemployment rate in Australia stood at 9.6% as of June 2025, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

But we're working to ease the pressure. Through programs like Reconnect, we help young people stay connected to their education and families, giving them the tools they need to overcome adversity. Our job coaching programs provide practical skills and real-world confidence, enabling youth to build a foundation for the future. Through partnerships with initiatives like Love Bites, we're equipping young people to build healthy, respectful relationships, reducing emotional stress and creating a sense of stability.

The pressure is real, but it doesn't have to be faced alone. With your support, we can continue to ease this pressure and provide more opportunities for young people to build resilience, gain confidence, and ultimately thrive.

If this cause resonates with you, we invite you to learn more and explore how you can help by visiting the link below.