Severe life consequences of alienated youth

[Extract] Many research projects and surveys have been carried out in this country and overseas, to identify and find solutions for the problems that confront youth in our modern society. There have been peaks and troughs in the amount and type of research conducted, dependent on current economic situations and prevailing philosophical perspectives. However as the Senate Standing Committee on Homeless Youth (1982) pointed out, most surveys are limlted because of their amorphous samples, their rigid questionnaire techniques and their varying natures. So despite the myriad of surveys, there is a wide gap in our knowledge.
Today in Australia, as elsewhere, the increase in youth unemployment has created an emphasis on young people and their problems. The United Nations in fact, has declared 1985 to be International Youth Year which aims to recognise the importance of direct participation by youth in shaping the future of mankind. It will also serve to mobilise efforts at local, national and international levels in order to ensure active participation by young people in the preparation of policies and programs.