One in five Gen Z Australians have no friends or family they can rely on for support, according to new research from Mental Health Australia.
With schools playing an important role in shaping young people’s sense of belonging, the findings raise concerns about students who may struggle to find support both inside and outside the classroom.
Released ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the nationally representative Essential Research survey also found that 20% of Gen Z respondents had nobody to count on when they needed support. This compares with 13% of Gen X respondents and 8% of Baby Boomers.
Almost one-third of Gen Z respondents also reported feeling little or no connection to friends, family, neighbours and their communities.
Young Australians report weaker social connections
The survey found that only 65% of Gen Z respondents felt connected to others, compared with 71% of Millennials and 80% of Baby Boomers.
However, social disconnection was not limited to younger generations. Nearly half of all Australians surveyed said they felt less connected than a decade ago, while 64% believed the country was becoming more disconnected.
“The fact that one in five Gen Zs say they have no one they can count on for support should be a wake-up call. We all need people we can rely on. When those relationships are missing, the impact on mental health and wellbeing can be profound,” Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said.
“Young people can’t solve this growing connection gap on their own. We all have a role to play in creating the relationships, opportunities and communities that help young people feel connected, supported and able to thrive.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, social isolation, loneliness and strained relationships can increase psychological distress among young people.
The role of school belonging
While the Mental Health Australia survey did not specifically examine school environments, other research has highlighted how students’ everyday experiences can affect their sense of belonging.
A Monash University-led review found that around one in three students lacked a sense of belonging at school. The review linked school belonging with student wellbeing, academic engagement and educational equity. It also emphasised the importance of creating environments where students feel valued, safe and recognised.
Similarly, research from Flinders University found that bullying, social exclusion and negative peer interactions can contribute to loneliness within schools.
These findings suggest that addressing isolation involves more than providing access to wellbeing services. Students’ everyday relationships and interactions also influence how connected they feel.
Young people need accessible support
ReachOut CEO Gary Groves said the latest Mental Health Australia findings reflected pressures already being reported by young people.
“Many young people are navigating a complex world shaped by cost-of-living pressures, uncertainty, study, work and social expectations, and as this new data shows it’s leaving some feeling increasingly disconnected, isolated and lonely,” Groves said.
The difficulties young people face in seeking support have also emerged in education research.
An earlier student wellbeing report found that Australian students wanted more personalised support from teachers, alongside greater understanding of their academic and social pressures.
“Connection is a really strong protective factor for mental health, which is why it’s so important that young people have safe, accessible places to turn for support. And it’s one of the reasons why peer support plays such a key role in the support we provide to young people via ReachOut,” Groves said.
“Young people shouldn’t have to face challenges on their own. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, connecting with people who understand what you’re going through, or reaching out for support online, those connections can make a profound difference.”