A new Federal Government report has concluded that while there are costs associated with young people’s use of new technology it provided a “unique avenue to communicate with young people and has enormous potential to reengage the most marginalised members of society if access is distributed equitably”.

The Minister for Youth Kate Ellis this week released The State of Australia’s Young People: a report on the social, economic, health and family lives of young people.

Amongst the findings of the wide-ranging report:

• Teenagers aged 15 - 19 have the highest hospitalisation rate for acute intoxication of all age groups and one in five 16-year-olds have used illicit drugs

• One in three sexually active young people report experiencing unwanted sex

• One in four young people are living with a mental illness

• Almost a quarter of young people feel unsafe walking alone at night and young people are more likely to be the victim of a crime but less likely to report it

• Nine out of ten 17-year-olds use a mobile phones

• Nine out of ten families have an Internet connection

The report, under the section, “What are the benefits and risks of technology use?: says:

"While there are certainly costs associated with excessive consumption of media, proficiency and confidence with new technology has great social, economic and personal benefits for young people. Young people are, in general, far more adept at using new technologies than their older peers and may perhaps be more adept at negotiating the challenges and potential pit-falls that an increasingly technological world presents.

"While technology will inarguably continue to present challenges, it also presents a unique avenue to communicate with young people and has enormous potential to reengage the most marginalised members of society if access is distributed equitably."

Other findings related to mobile phone use among young people were:

• Nine out of ten 17-year-old Australians used a mobile telephone, with young women more likely to have a mobile than young men

• Young people from non-English speaking backgrounds and young men were less likely to use mobile phones and more likely to report being reluctant to use a mobile phone

• Young people from relatively poorer areas used their mobile more frequently than those from the relatively wealthier areas

The State of Australia’s Young People shows that some young people are at greater risk of falling behind than others, particularly those who are Indigenous, from a low socio-economic background, aren’t studying or working or have a disability.

The findings are based on national data sources, existing literature, interviews and focus groups with young people and people in the youth sector.

“This report provides further evidence on which to base the work the Government is doing to improve the lives of young people,” Ms Ellis said.

“We’re investing to solve many of the problems young people face with initiatives like our $125.8 million Cyber Safety Plan, the $35.6 million National Youth Mental Health Initiative Headspace and the $277 million Compact with Young Australians, which guarantees training places for every young person who wishes to up-skill.

“We’re also talking with young people through the Australian Youth Forum,” she said.

“Focusing on improving the lives of young Australians delivers great social, economic and community benefits and means a happier and healthier country into the future.”

The full report is available at www.youth.gov.au