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18 October 2020
Half of all Year 12 students don’t feel good about what’s happening in their lives and four in ten are worried about their own mental health as they head into their final exams, according to new research released today.
Of the 519 Year 12 students surveyed nationwide[1]:
- 48% don’t think they’re dealing with their problems well.
- 65% rated this year as more difficult than they expected.
- Only 4% have accessed professional support services when feeling anxious or stressed.
The research is the basis for You Got This, an initiative launched today by not-for-profit DrinkWise in which well-known Australians offer messages of support for Year 12 students.
The video messages will be distributed via social media channels and hosted on the YouGotThis.org.au website, starting today with messages from Australian Test Cricket Captain Tim Paine, 7.30 Host Leigh Sales, NRL Players James Tedesco and Damien Cook and the Governor-General His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), with new videos released daily over the next month.
“2020 has been a difficult year for so many Australians and it’s been particularly tough for Year 12s. The final year of school can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during the disruption caused by COVID-19, ” said DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan.
“We want to show Year 12s that they are supported and hope this initiative will help them stay positive, particularly as they go into their exams.”
“It’s also important they remember that one year doesn’t define the rest of their lives and it’s critical that both students and their families who are feeling stressed or anxious know that help and support is available.”
“Trying to relieve stress or anxiety with drugs or alcohol is not the answer.”
Annie O’Rourke, Director of 89 Degrees East, which undertook the research said the findings painted a concerning picture about the struggle Year 12s are still going through in this year.
“This research tells an alarming story about how hard this year has been for Year 12 students,” she said.
“The fact that so few students have accessed professional support amongst the many finding these times so challenging shows we must do as much as possible to support them over the coming months.”
The website has the support of Headspace, Beyond Blue, ReachOut, Kids Helpline and My Mirror support services and will include direct links to these services.
DrinkWise is an independent not-for-profit with a focus on creating a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.
For more information and to see the messages of support being launched today, visit yougotthis.org.au
[1] Survey of 519 Year 12 students conducted by 89 Degrees East on behalf of DrinkWise in October 2020
Summary of research
Independent research was undertaken in early October by 89 Degrees East Consultancy of 519 school leavers nationally about to undertake their final exams.
It found:
- 48% don’t feel good about what’s happening in their life.
- 48% don’t think they’re dealing with their problems well.
- 41% are worried about their own mental health
- 65% rated this year as more difficult than they expected
Top negative impacts experienced by Year 12s this year (% of students rated as a negative impact)
- 75% Uncertainty and disruptions of COVID19
- 75% Lack of social occasions, like 18th birthdays
- 74% Lack of school events, like Year 12 formals
- 72% Less personal interactions and connections with teachers and students
- 69% Not having teachers in person to deliver lessons as much and having to self-learn
- 60% Not as much support for student wellbeing
What Year 12s are struggling the most with:
- Staying motivated about school (46% struggling)
- Level of stress and anxiety (46% struggling)
- Dealing with pressure of exams and deadlines (40% struggling)
Reaching out for support:
- Only 4% have accessed professional support services when feeling anxious or stressed and 15% have reached out to a counsellor or youth worker.
- 30% would not be comfortable accessing support services for themselves
- 54% feel comfortable reaching out for support services for a friend
Dealing with stress and anxiety
- 11% of all Year 12s (15% of 18-19s) are drinking alcohol or smoking to relieve stress and anxiety
Specific quotes from students:
‘The whole world is hurting and we need to be there for each other.’
‘Sometimes life hits you like a bus, sometimes it makes you feel like there’s nothing good anymore. But it’ll also be there to pick you up again. Because life’s what you make it and you make it a bloody ripper if you choose to. So keep your head up.’
‘The Year 12 class is doing an incredible job. People have appreciated and acknowledge how tough Year 12 has been, them giving us this appreciation has had a very positive impact on myself.’
‘Global pandemic is global, everyone is going through this and everyone is struggling. We’re in this together.’
‘Bad times out there to test our strength and build our resilience. Have hope that things will improve and become better for everyone.’
‘That we are in this together having our life’s disrupted by this has been horrible. People don’t understand how much we just want to celebrate. Our parents couldn’t even watch our graduation.’
You Got This infographics - DrinkWise
