Search

Focuses on several reports and research papers about the Australian youth. Comment on the "Census of Population and Housing: Australia's Youth 2001" report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics; Information on the "Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health: National Consultation" report by J. Parham and D. Rickwood; Details of the research paper entitled "Findings From Youth, Citizenship and Social Change," from the Economic and Social Research Council, Trust for the Study of Adolescence.

Presents several reports and papers on youth studies in Australia. `Step by Step Forum Report,' by Georgina Warrington and Paul Wright; `Rural and Remote School Education: A Survey for the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Final Report,' by H. Stokes, J. Stafford and R. Holdsworth; `The Cost to Australia of Early School-Leaving.'

Presents information on several reports and papers for youth in Australia. `A City for Young People: City of Melbourne's Plan for Youth'; `Final Report: Research and consultation among young people on mental health issues'; Australia's Youth: Reality and Risk. A National Perspective on Developments that have Affected 15-19 Years Old During the 1990s.'

Highlights some of the reports and study papers on youth released by different organizations in Australia. Focus of the articles in `Australia Day' January 1999 edition; Research undertaken by the Community Services Commission in New South Wales; Reports released on the status of youth in Australia based on the study commissioned by several organizations.

Presents an overview of the report, `Inquiry into Aspects of Youth Homelessness,' presented by the Australian House of Representatives' Committee on Community Affairs. Main issues addressed in the paper; Context of the inquiry; Comments of the committee in the government's White Paper, `Working Nation.'

Reports on the Australian Federal Government's proposal for job training. Proposal to require all school-leavers to complete at least five years of job training; Lack of commitment by employers to on-the-job training; Lack of facilities for people to upgrade their job skills.

The focus of this special edition of Youth Studies Australia is on questions, issues, challenges and (tentative) solutions in relation to ensuring that research with young people is conducted ethically. This introductory paper by the guest editors of this edition draws on ethical principles as outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans and in the Fairbridge Code of Ethics for youth work. The authors explain how these principles can inform ethical youth research. In the process, they weave through comments to and from the remaining five papers, providing an authentic touchstone for the principles, as well as recommending the papers to you. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What prevents Indigenous young people from seeking professional help for emotional and/or psychological problems, and how can counselling support services, such as Australia's youth counselling service, Kids Helpline, assist in overcoming these barriers? To explore these questions this paper draws on qualitative feedback from group discussions with 60 Indigenous young people (aged 10-24 years) living in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia. Findings reveal many barriers, including shame, fear, intergenerational stigma and limited awareness. The paper suggests that addressing cultural competency in services, hosting school-based education sessions and embracing offline and online contact points are helpful steps youth services can take to encourage formal help-seeking among Indigenous young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the conventional youth gang literature describes gangs as a sort of 'family' for members. The gang provides a source of support, solidarity and social connection, and thus fulfils some of the functions of a close-knit family unit. What happens, however, when the 'gang' and the 'family' are one and the same? This paper explores the ways in which Indigenous young people experience gang activity as stemming from family membership and family obligations. Indeed, the notion of 'gang' is itself highly contentious for many Indigenous youth, given that their group behaviour is intrinsically bound by cultural and kinship ties. Based on recent gang research in Australia, the paper provides firsthand accounts of what 'life in the gang / life in the family' means for Indigenous young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinct political lives and lifestyles of young people provide a rich arena for social research. This paper traces the origins of contemporary definitions of political participation, which are often at odds with the real experiences and aspirations of young citizens. Despite a growing body of empirical evidence in this field, researchers are still challenged to represent the unique contribution young people make to political life. This paper suggests that expanding the research focus of the study of youth political participation in Australia would offer scope for generating new knowledge and meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on various types of publications on services for the youth in Australia. Includes the Australian Council for Educational Research newsletter; Australian Catholic Social Justice Council newsletter; Books `Community Services Victoria,' `Girls and the Law' and `Youth Movements in Australia.'

Australia's policy imperatives for improved student performance have again put the spotlight on the pervasive disengagement of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Rather than finding more evidence about how schooling does not work for some young people, and how background impacts on that, this paper argues for contributions to a different kind of knowledge by turning to these same young people and investigating what does work to engage them in learning. Consequently, the view put forward here is for an approach that turns the focus from disengagement to engagement, and from youth as contributing to the problem to youth as contributing to the solution. This paper provides a synthesis of literature on educational engagement, strength-based research approaches, and democratic youth participation that framed the development of a democratic, strength-based approach to young people investigating educational engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has two aims. It considers what social inclusion could offer young people and the youth sector in Australia, and it reflects on how social inclusion has shaped the youth policy environment in Australia. It is argued that in order to consider these issues, it is necessary to understand social inclusion's history. Using a methodology of policy analysis based on Bacchi's (2009) approach, this paper explores the policy context of social inclusion in Europe and the United Kingdom, offering these as a comparison with Australia. It is argued that social inclusion is a policy chimera, and that it plays all-too-familiar roles in policies that target young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peter Westoby and Ann Ingamells contend that in an Australian institutional context that is shifting under the influence of corporate liberalism, not only has social justice lost some of its leverage as a framework for achieving change, but the constitution of youth work as a profession has also altered. They suggest that these two factors have implications for how we educate and train those who work with young people. In the context of a training workshop for workers who engage with young refugees, the paper proposes employing a deconstructive approach to youth work practice as an alternative to using a social justice framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most state governments in Australia have banned popular online networking sites from public schools after these sites were accused of supporting a broad host of threats to young people. This paper questions the effectiveness of these bans in light of recent empirical research that highlights the social and educational benefits that can accrue from young people's online network use. In doing so, this paper argues for a more informed policy debate that considers not only the risks involved in using online networks, but also the opportunities online networks afford and the capabilities young people require to use them effectively. (Contains 4 notes.)

This paper examines credit card usage and credit recovery activities by female students at universities in Melbourne, Australia. Primary data were collected though a four-part questionnaire. A total of 257 valid responses were analysed. The research found that there is no relationship between monthly average credit card debt and demographic and socioeconomic variables. There is, however, a negative correlation between monthly average credit card debt and weekly income. The patterns of credit card usage by the respondents in years 3 and 4 tend to be negative (irresponsible). The junior respondents are more likely to have positive (responsible) credit card usage than the senior respondents. Also, the majority of the respondents sought financial help from their parents and/ or relatives, although some approached financial counsellors, government and non-governmental agencies for help to settle debts. Overall, both junior and senior female students need assistance in regard to credit card usage and credit recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible Learning Options (FLO) programs were established in South Australia to increase the number of students completing their education to a Year 12 level and to better prepare them for future study or work. Literature suggests that the extent to which these programs have met these aims is not clear, with questions raised about their ability to successfully engage students in learning or adequately prepare them for the future. This paper goes some way to addressing those questions by providing the findings from a qualitative study into the experiences and perceptions of South Australian youth regarding FLO programs. The findings identified factors such as content and timetable flexibility and relationships with staff and students as important to engagement and success in learning. Findings related to preparedness for the future indicate that students have short-term rather than long-term goals as a result of FLO programs. Conclusions drawn from these findings are that careful attention to individual case management of students is needed to enhance their chances of educational success and preparation for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this paper is research that explored how young people use text messages and songs stored on their mobiles and MP3 players to escape everyday life. Two separate research studies from Australia and Sweden were juxtaposed because of the similarities in findings as well as the similarity between these cultural objects. The various types of escape that were found were part of everyday routine and experienced in short bursts, such as the length of time it takes to re-read a text message or to listen to a song. However, there were also more extreme examples of these devices being used to temporarily retreat from everyday social interaction. The authors argue that these forms of escape seem to be necessary for young people to be able to maintain a "sense of being" (as defined by Heidegger in 1962) in their everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an online sample of young Australians, this paper explores perceptions of the likelihood of 10 consequences of illicit drug use, including both positive and negative outcomes. Pleasure and concern about financial and school/work problems were perceived to be the most likely consequences to arise from illicit drug use (much more so than trouble with police). These results, although exploratory, provide a nuanced understanding of young people's attitudes towards illicit drugs, and how these attitudes are shaped by the world around them. The results also represent a challenge for public policy, as these notions are largely marginalised from discourse about drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the paper from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) entitled "Young people in an economic downturn" which affirms the effect of the 2008 economic downtrend on the wealth and decisions of youth in Australia. It notes that the paper compares the latest downtrend with those in the 1970s and 1990s, and searches both commonalities and changes. It also points out that unemployment growth among youth force them into full-time study and part-time jobs.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue related to the youth of Australia, including one by Philip Mendez which focuses on the review of literature of early pregnancy and parenthood, one by Megan Varlow which emphasizes stress management techniques among high school students and one by Jo Lindsay which highlights the impact of alcoholic beverages among youth in Victoria.

The discusses various topics published within the issue including one on human rights in Australia, one on the justice system and another on improved pay and working conditions.

Current Australian public policy has a strong focus on youth and young people. In particular, the policy discourse and the initiatives that are emerging in support of this discourse advocate young people's active participation in their communities. Drawing on a PhD study being undertaken with the Australian Youth Research Centre, this paper considers the nature of this policy discourse and its implications for young people's participation. It also describes the findings of a recent report released by The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), which shed light on the way in which this policy agenda is being enacted by young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of whether video games with mature or adult content should be restricted from sale in Australia represents a complex social issue. Under the current classification system for video games, any game deemed unsuitable for people under the age of 15 is banned from sale in Australia. With reference to relevant supporting literature, this paper presents a critical summary of the arguments for and against the introduction of an R 18+ rating for video games. Analysis of the key issues reveals that the R 18+ rating issue encompasses matters of accessibility versus restriction of adult material, censorship versus freedom of creative expression, parental versus governmental responsibility, among many other considerations. It is concluded that the known benefits outweigh the perceived but empirically insubstantial risks of introducing an R 18+ rating for video games in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of young people from the Horn of Africa entering Australia. These young people face unique challenges as a result of their age, ethnicity, migration and direct/indirect trauma experience. Although governments are using mentoring as one source of support to help Horn of African young people, little is known about how to appropriately adapt mentoring programs for this group of young people. Using research with policymakers, mentoring providers and Horn of African young people, this paper aims to help mentoring providers appropriately tailor programs for Horn of African young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) held a series of consultations and forums in 2007 to explore the role of sport and recreation in supporting refugee and migrant young people to 'settle well' in Australia. This article presents some of the findings documented in Playing for the future (Olliff 2007), the discussion paper that emerged from those investigations. The potential benefits and problems associated with the use of sport and recreation in this context are discussed and recommendations made for future areas of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of service delivery called Wraparound, which was developed in the USA, focuses on maximising collaboration between stakeholders, including the client and their support network, as well as services involved. it is used extensively in the disability, mental health, juvenile justice, education and out-of-home care fields across North America. This paper reviews the literature exploring evaluations of the model and also examines an example of the application of Wraparound in an Australian context -- the Turnaround program in the ACT -- and its preliminary evaluation. Finally, challenges and opportunities for the model are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, there is a growing expectation that sexuality education should reduce the risks associated with youth sex by providing young people with information on protecting their sexual health. However, this information may be insufficient to ensure that young people make choices that support their sexual safety and autonomy. This paper considers the adverse implications of the problematisation of youth sexuality for young people's sexual health and autonomy. it draws on interview and focus group data from 117 young people to explore the varying degrees of opportunity that youth have to actively negotiate and promote safe and consensual sex. Finally, implications for sexuality education and violence prevention are briefly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a widespread perception that hoons are a major danger on Australian roads. However, the statistics and the research paint a very different picture. While young people are disproportionately involved in motor vehicle accidents, very few serious crashes involve high performance vehicles. So why are hoons a source of popular concern? This paper looks at the perceptions of danger associated with hooning and other aspects of car culture, and also explores the purposes that these activities play in the lives of young men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are enormous difficulties associated with communication between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, but dialogue is considered important for reconciliation, co-existence and a mediated future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. To demonstrate the importance of conversational exchange, this paper is presented in the form of dialogue with the theme of the possibility of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together to support the interests of Indigenous young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the composition of junior participation programs developed by national sport organizations in Australia. Provisions of the Sporting Ability policy; Situation of junior participation in sports; Definition of sport development; Factors affecting junior involvement in sports. INSET: XTRA.

Focuses on the circus life of teenagers in Australia. Research into the education of Australian occupational travellers; Analysis of youth and difference; Reflections on the experiences and understandings of Australian circus youth.

Reports on the release of publications and resources for youths in Australia. Includes the publication of the magazine `Rural Society'; Publication of the report `Issues in Child Abuse Prevention: Update on child sexual abuse'; Review of the book `Reflections on Educational Research in Australia: A history of the Australian Association for Research in Education.'

Discusses the importance of keeping juveniles out of custody. International guidelines pertaining to the detention of a child; Reasons behind the internationally adopted standards and principles; Overview of juvenile detention in Australia; Alternatives to reducing the use of incarceration of juvenile; Principles which should be adopted by detention centers.

The article offers news briefs on youth in Australia. A briefing paper on romantic relationships of young people has been released by the U.S. research centre Child Trends. A research on mental health published in the "Medical Journal of Australia" determines anxiety and depression as the leading cause of disability among youth in the country. An initiative was developed towards strategies for enhance rural health service enhancement through Twitter online chats.

The article offers news briefs related to the youth in New Zealand and Australia. A mental health research was conducted by Barbara Bulkeley to assess the practice of school guidance counselors with adolescent depression. An increased of government funding was announced by New Zealand Education Minister Anne Tolley and Associate Education Minister Pita Sharples to meet the needs of students. The journal "Youth Studies Australia" made a publication on the youth engagement in local governments.

Discusses reports on child abuse and protection in Australia. Number of cases of child abuse; Categories of child abuse; Discussion paper on substitute care practices in New South Wales; Paedophile priests in Queensland.

Focuses on the research paper entitled `The Relationship Between `Leisure Boredom' and Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Is There a Link to Youth Suicide in Rural Australia?' by Ian Patterson of Griffith University. Suggestion of the research; Comments from Patterson.

Focuses on a research about young workers and industry restructuring in Australia. Young workers and macroeconomic forces; Changes in the youth labor market.

Focuses on a study on legal treatment of sexual offenses involving children in Australia. Minimum age for consenting to sexual activity; Removal of higher limits set for homosexual sex; Society's determination of young people's exercising of autonomy and freedom of choice in sexual relations; Publication of the report in the periodical `Age' dated December 14, 1996.