17,000 young voices drive a clear call to action

Speaking Out Survey 2025: 17,000 young voices drive a clear call to action

The voices of thousands of Western Australian children and young people are at the heart of the newly released Speaking Out Survey 2025 Report, providing one of the most comprehensive insights into the wellbeing, safety and experiences of children and young people across the state.

The report reflects extensive face-to-face engagement of more than 17,000 children and young people across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia. Students from Years 4 to 12 shared what is working well in their lives, the challenges they face, and the changes they want to see.

This is the first Speaking Out Survey report to include recommendations, marking a significant step from listening to action. Commissioner for Children and Young People Dr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones has made five recommendations directly informed by the experiences and priorities shared by children and young people throughout the survey.

The report highlights the importance of ensuring children's voices shape the policies, programs and services that affect them.

Among its recommendations, the report calls for the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to be embedded in Western Australian legislation, following findings that many children and young people do not always feel safe at school, at home or in the community.

The report also recommends a review of how programs, services and policies align with the objects and principles of key legislation, to ensure the best interests of children remain at the centre of decision-making.

In response to concerns raised about physical, social, emotional and sexual wellbeing, the report further recommends a comprehensive public health and prevention campaign providing age-appropriate information on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, sexual health, alcohol and other drugs.

The Commissioner is encouraging decision-makers across all sectors to consider the report's findings and recommendations, and to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people across Western Australia.

The SOS Summary Report and youth-friendly version can be found online at ccyp.wa.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Dr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People WA

"Children and young people have clearly told us what matters most to them. This report not only captures their experiences, but for the first time translates those insights into recommendations for change.

"The findings are a clear call to action for government, community organisations and service providers. Children and young people are asking us to create safer environments, improve access to information and support, and ensure their wellbeing is a priority.

"We travelled extensively across Western Australia and heard from children and young people in metropolitan, regional and remote communities. Their voices have shaped this report and its recommendations.

"The Speaking Out Survey 2025 Report demonstrates that when we listen to children and young people, they provide thoughtful, practical solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

"We now have a responsibility to act on what they have told us."

Key statistics

Mental health
61.7% of young people (Years 9 to 12) reported feeling sad, anxious or depressed for two weeks or more (up from 58.0% in SOS21): girls 74.0% versus boys 49.8%.
More than one third (35.7%) had a current mental health concern.

Girls' wellbeing gap widens with age
Across nearly every measure (life satisfaction, safety, physical activity, independence, school belonging), girls report worse outcomes than boys, and the gap grows through secondary school.
Only one in five girls in secondary school felt safe at school "all the time."

Violence at home
Almost two in five young people (41.3%) reported deliberate physical harm; more than half of that happened at home.
Girls were far more likely to be harmed at home and by an adult than boys.

Cost-of-living barrier to care
One in four young people needed to see someone about their health and could not.
Embarrassment, cost and not knowing where to go were among the leading reasons given.

Aboriginal and CaLD findings
Aboriginal children report similar life satisfaction and stronger community safety than peers, but report higher suspension rates, three times the rate of not brushing teeth daily, and more persistent, multi-location bullying.
CaLD young people are just as likely to be bullied but are far more likely to be targeted about their skin colour or culture and for it to happen online.

Regional and remote divide
Consistent access gaps to dental care, mental health services, transport and devices were identified.
Two in five young people in remote areas were unsure where to go for online mental health support.

Caring responsibilities
More than half of primary-aged children (56.3%) said they help care for someone at home.
8.1% of secondary students identify as a "young carer."

Media contact

Megan Sadler
P: 0434 327 804
E: megan.sadler@ccyp.wa.gov.au