Youth Resilience Survey is an evidence based online survey which indicates the self-reported strengths of young people. The survey is framed in three resilience pathways: Safe, Healthy and Fulfilling with 10 domains underpinning these categories providing a current picture of resilience and how to build resilience in young people. The analysed data provides an opportunity for planning programs and events to improve the resilience of young people and enhance connections to schools and the local community.
In 2017, we partnered with Resilient Youth and 24 local schools, surveying over 6,400 students in years 3 to 12.
What is resilience?
Andrew Fuller from Resilient Youth defines resilience as "the ability to draw upon the strengths within yourself and from around you to flexibly respond to life while remaining true to yourself and creating positive relationships with others."
Year 3 to Year 6 Summary
Majority of students in years 3 to 6 feel safe and secure at home and in their local community. Most young people are maintaining their health by eating well and being connected to local clubs and groups. The main challenge for students in years 3 to 6 is face to face bullying at school with 51% of students reporting that they have experienced bullying at least once in the last 12 months. A number of students further report feeling stressed and under constant strain.
Resilience snapshot
- 16% have excellent resilience
- 52% have good resilience
- 28% have fair resilience
- 4% have low resilience
Key strengths identified
- 93% are engaged in the learning process
- 91% feel safe at home
- 91% feel parents help them to succeed
Key challenges identified
- 51% have experienced bullying at school in the last 12 months
- 20% feel constantly under strain
- 20% feel unhappy and depressed
Year 7 to Year 12 Summary
Majority of students in years 7 to 12 are feeling safe at home, at school and in the local community. The survey identified students are maintaining their physical health with 78% of students being involved in clubs and groups. A large number of students also reported that they are feeling stressed, unhappy and depressed and not feeling good about themselves.
Resilience snapshot
- 8% have excellent resilience
- 36% have good resilience
- 39% have fair resilience
- 17% have low resilience
Key strengths identified
- 91% feel safe at home
- 90% feel their parents help them succeed
- 88% are engaged in the learning process
Key challenges identified
- 41% feel constantly under strain
- 40% are not feeling in control of life
- 39% do not feel good about themselves
Get involved
To find out more about the survey, or if your school would like to get involved, contact Youth Services on (03) 9599 4622 or youthservices [at] bayside.vic.gov.au (subject: Youth%20Resilience%20Survey)
