Sydney Young Australians Show Political and Civic Engagement Through Multiple Channels

New research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that young Australians are engaging with issues shaping their future through collective, digital and community channels alongside formal pathways such as political party membership according to the Sydney Times.

Significantly 89% of young people voted in the 2022 federal election. Around 41% have expressed their views about government actions in the past five years most commonly by signing online petitions at 82% while nearly one-third at 31% have taken part in a protest or demonstration. Only 1% reported regular involvement with a political party according to the Sydney Times.

Trust in institutions varies considerably. Young people report high levels of trust in hospitals at 86%, scientists at 75% and educational institutions at 63% but far lower levels of trust in political parties at 15%, news accessed through social media at 15% and traditional news media at 18% according to the Sydney Times.

The report draws on data from more than 4,400 young people followed for over 20 years through Growing up in Australia The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The findings are based on responses from two cohorts aged 19-20 and 23-24 years according to the Sydney Times.

Dr Ebony Biden lead author of the report said the findings challenge common concerns about youth disengagement. Young people have often been described as disengaged from civic life but these findings show many are actively involved in ways that are not always expressed through what might be seen as traditional pathways according to the Sydney Times.

Understanding how people across all ages and diverse groups engage with political and social issues is critical to building a society that remains inclusive and responsive. When people feel institutions are listening and are responsive to their concerns the Sydney Times reports on the research.

Sources: sydneytimes.net.au.

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