How Resilient Were Brimbank’s Youth in 2024?

Ever wondered how young people in Brimbank are really doing? The Resilient Youth Australia Survey gives us a deep dive into their wellbeing, strengths, and the challenges they face. Brimbank Youth Services began rolling out the survey in 2021 as a way of gauging young people’s wellbeing after the COVID-19 lockdowns, spanning around four months to reach all primary and secondary schools involved.

“It involved the entire team and support from University Youth Work Students. The findings from the RYA Survey have guided the creation and implementation of support programs for schools, covering topics such as body image for grades five and six, friendship, and safety programs for years seven to nine,” says Dean James, Team Leader of the Youth Wellbeing and Belonging Team at Brimbank City Council.

2024’s results are in, and they reveal some important trends around resilience, mental health, and social connections. What does this mean for local schools, families, and the community? Let’s break down the highlights, so we can explore how we can better support Brimbank’s young people to thrive.

7,342 secondary school students said…

• Boo to booze: 60% of female Year 12s do not drink alcohol. That’s 13% higher than the Australian norm.
• They gamed too hard: Years seven to eight played video games ten to 15% more excessively than the Australian norm.
• Truce?: 90% of male secondary school students can disagree about things and still remain friends.
• There’s nothing to do: Female students rated up to 17% lower than the Australian norm for being involved in at least one extra-curricular.
• They struggle with exercise: Female years eight to 11 all rank at least ten percent lower than the Australian norm for one hour of physical activity per day, with only 50% of female year tens saying they are active.

1,595 primary school students said…

• Resilience is key: 57% of all years three to six are resilient, with high hope and high life satisfaction.
• They don’t have trusted adults: Year sixes responded up to 15% lower than the Australian norm for having an adult in their life who they can talk to.
• Friends are forever: 97% of male Years 4s have at least one good friend at school.
• Health is wealth: 60% of all years three to six have a healthy mind.
• They feel unsafe: 25% of female year sixes and male year fives feel unsafe in the area where they live, up to 13% higher than the Australian norm.