No One Should Feel Alone in a Full Room: Youth Loneliness Australia
The issue
Growing up can be hard, with pressure from school, family and society all affecting young people in different ways. One issue that often gets overlooked is loneliness. Walking through a busy school courtyard, it can seem like everyone is surrounded by friends and doing fine. But that is not always the case. Some students can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. Seeing this made me realise how common youth loneliness can be and how easily it can go unnoticed.
Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2025 found that 16.8% of young people aged 14–19 felt lonely most or all of the time, while 29% identified mental health as one of the most important issues facing young Australians. These statistics show that loneliness and mental wellbeing are serious concerns for young people, even in a world where we are constantly connected through technology.
Schools and communities should be places where young people feel supported, included and valued. To help reduce youth loneliness, there needs to be more focus on creating opportunities for connection. This could include peer support programs, group activities, mentoring and spaces where students can meet others and feel more involved in their school community.
Schools should also encourage more open conversations about loneliness and wellbeing. Teachers and staff can play an important role by noticing when students are becoming withdrawn or isolated and helping connect them with support. Talking about loneliness more openly could also reduce the stigma around admitting that someone is struggling.
Local communities can also help by creating safe and welcoming spaces where young people can meet others outside of school. Youth groups, clubs and community activities can give people the chance to form genuine friendships and feel like they belong.
No young person should feel completely alone while surrounded by others. By signing this petition, you are showing support for stronger opportunities for connection and belonging for young people. Even small changes can help create communities where people feel seen, supported and included.
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The issue
Growing up can be hard, with pressure from school, family and society all affecting young people in different ways. One issue that often gets overlooked is loneliness. Walking through a busy school courtyard, it can seem like everyone is surrounded by friends and doing fine. But that is not always the case. Some students can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. Seeing this made me realise how common youth loneliness can be and how easily it can go unnoticed.
Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2025 found that 16.8% of young people aged 14–19 felt lonely most or all of the time, while 29% identified mental health as one of the most important issues facing young Australians. These statistics show that loneliness and mental wellbeing are serious concerns for young people, even in a world where we are constantly connected through technology.
Schools and communities should be places where young people feel supported, included and valued. To help reduce youth loneliness, there needs to be more focus on creating opportunities for connection. This could include peer support programs, group activities, mentoring and spaces where students can meet others and feel more involved in their school community.
Schools should also encourage more open conversations about loneliness and wellbeing. Teachers and staff can play an important role by noticing when students are becoming withdrawn or isolated and helping connect them with support. Talking about loneliness more openly could also reduce the stigma around admitting that someone is struggling.
Local communities can also help by creating safe and welcoming spaces where young people can meet others outside of school. Youth groups, clubs and community activities can give people the chance to form genuine friendships and feel like they belong.
No young person should feel completely alone while surrounded by others. By signing this petition, you are showing support for stronger opportunities for connection and belonging for young people. Even small changes can help create communities where people feel seen, supported and included.
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Petition created on 13 September 2026