In our latest update for The Nest, we collaborate with the UN Youth Representative for Australia, enjoy a major milestone, and reflect on results which show the importance of young people and the challenges they face...

Listening with the UN Youth Rep

It was great to meet with Dan Ryan, the 2012 United Nations Youth Representative for Australia, as he embarks on a listening tour across Australia before heading off to the UN General Assembly in September. Like The Nest, Dan is passionate about listening to what young people have to say, not just about the issues and problems out there, but their visions and solutions to make change happen in their community and the wider world.

Dan is visiting schools, youth and community groups, universities and other organisations in every state and territory over the next couple of months. We’ll be working with Dan to ensure what he finds in his listening tour is incorporated into a national action plan for children and young people, and sharing results and insights from The Nest consultation to add to Dan’s work as he heads over to the UN in New York.

If you can be a part of the listening tour and would like to have Dan visit and carry out a discussion activity with a group of young people you have access to, please check out his webpage and register your interest: http://www.unyouthrep.com/home/facilitator/

Topping two thousand

A major milestone has been reached for The Nest, as over 2,000 people in Australia have now had their say on what matters for children and young people via our online survey questions. This includes over 1,000 parents and around 700 young people to date. Special thanks to the many organisations that have helped promote the survey via their networks, posts, tweets, newsletters and good old fashioned word-of-mouth.

Remember you can still take part and promote the survey here.  

This is important

Talking of surveys, The Nest team at ARACY, along with our partners at Bupa Health Foundation, recently conducted the Australian Attitudes to Young People Survey, providing a nationally representative snapshot of adult’s views towards young people’s health and wellbeing.

The survey reinforced the value placed on young people, with their health and happiness ranking above strengthening the economy, national security, and protecting the environment as key to improving Australia over the next two decades. However, there was substantial concern reported relating to the mental, emotional and physical health of young people today, while parents believed that they face increased pressures on their time to give their children the attention they need.

For more info, please have a look at the media release and accompanying survey factsheet.

Do you agree or disagree with these findings? Have your own say via The Nest survey.