Australian young people today live an incredibly interconnected world: what’s happening in Africa, America, Ukraine or Greater Europe isn’t felt based on physical distance but on how prevalent it is in social media feeds and the conversations that surround them.
It’s a reality that allows for a deeper sense of global community, but that also adds emotional load to an anxious generation compelled to act on their social responsibility.
Together with World Vision, Barna Research recently compiled their Open Generations Report – an international survey that sound to understand the identity, values, and views of teenagers to help church leaders understand this emerging generation around the world.
The Australian segment collected responses from 1000 participants and revealed the top three concerns of 13- to 17-year-olds in the country are mental health, climate change and their future jobs.
The top three concerns of 13- to 17-year-olds in the country are mental health, climate change and their future jobs.
The study also looked at how responsive young people were to faith, and what role they thought the church had in community.
“This generation is open, inclusive, and curious about different faiths and perspectives,” Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman said.
“Although this generation may not deeply engage with Jesus, with only three in ten Australian teens identifying as Christian, they are open to him, and when they do engage, they experience positive effects.”
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The full Open Generations Report can be found on the Barna Group website.
The study was developed and conducted by Barna Group in 2021, in partnership with Alpha, Biblica, and World Vision, with additional support from Christian Vision, Bible Study Fellowship, Christ In Youth, and the Association of Christian Schools International.
Listen to the full interview with David Kinnaman in the player above.
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