Youth Week 2017
THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF GLADSTONE ARE COMMUNICATING THEIR TOP THREE CONCERNS IN LIFE AS SCHOOL, POPULARITY AND BODY IMAGE.
The test sample, taken from 30 of Gladstone’s youth, is consistent with the same age bracket across the country, according to Mission Australia’s Youth Survey of 2016.
Youth Week is one of the few measures we have as a community to impress upon the young that they mean so much more to us than this.
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You is the focus of Youth Week 2017.
Bec Frost, Youth and Development Officer at Gladstone PCYC says the theme of Youth Week 2017 works towards changing these results, which are concerning, yet not surprising.
“It’s very important for the community to teach our youth how to implement self-care, self-love and self-esteem,” she said. “If we as adults practice mindfulness and introduce the idea that sometimes it’s ok to be selfish, our youth will grow up not placing so much pressure on themselves – particularly on a physical level.”
In Gladstone, young people aged 12- 25 comprises 24.3{7a2eb471754f58cbf59baa93ee81dc7b74d186cb2e306188f39c85ba863dbab8} of the overall population. To compare, seniors make up only 9.3{7a2eb471754f58cbf59baa93ee81dc7b74d186cb2e306188f39c85ba863dbab8}. Essentially, we can assume these figures suggest that the youth demographic of Gladstone, particularly at the next election, will have more voting power than seniors.
“This is why Youth Week is such a great opportunity to get our upcoming generation involved in what’s happening around them,” says Bec. “This year the focus is about recognising individual strengths and encouraging youth to reach outside of their typical environments.”
One of the values in hosting Youth Week celebrations is to communicate to the young the integral role they play in our community’s future.
Calling upon the community to celebrate our youth for who they are, legitimising the age bracket of 12-25 year olds as genuine change makers and a powerful demographic.
Support and celebrate the youth of Gladstone from March 31 through to April 9.
Gladstone Regional Council is hosting a variety of activities throughout Youth Week, check their website for further details.