Young people's perspectives on missing out on being young.

A key finding from previous editions of the Australian Youth Barometer was that a large proportion of young people often or very often felt like they were missing out on being young (45% in 2022 and 42% in 2023). This is troubling because being young is such an important stage in life - it is a time of great development, exploration, experimentation, trial and misstep, as well as success and opportunity.

In this report, members of CYPEP's youth reference group draw on data from the Australian Youth Barometer to provide possible views on what it means to be young and to miss out on being young. Their discussion takes place at a unique time, situated within the historical context of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to the labour force and the growing pressures placed upon young people.