New research reveals teen views on taboo topics

New research reveals teen views on taboo topics
Professor Mary Lou Rasmussen, ANU School of Sociology
Sunday 9 September 2018

New research from academics The Australian National University, Deakin and Monash Universities, is providing ground-breaking insight into the views of today’s teens on social issues.

Professor Mary Lou Rasmussen from the ANU School of Sociology and her colleagues surveyed more than 1200 Australian teenagers aged 13-18, to find out what they think about a range of topics, including sexuality, gender diversity and religion.

“Contemporary teenagers are exposed to diversity in ways that are unprecedented, through social media, school and peers. But there is a lack of evidence based understanding of their experiences of religious, spiritual, gender and sexual diversity.” Professor Rasmussen said.

The new data not only fills in crucial gaps in our understanding, but it also shows the direction today’s young people feel society should head in accepting diversity.

According to the survey, 84 per cent of Australia’s teens think school students should be allowed to openly express any sexual or gender orientation and 82 per cent supported marriage equality.

80 per cent of teens agree sex education in schools should include information relevant to LGBTQI people, while another 73 per cent think schools should discuss issues related to sexuality.

“This research also demonstrates that LGBTI issues aren’t being taught in our schools,” Professor Rasmussen said.

“Education needs to better reflect the complexities of Gen Z’s everyday experiences of religion and belief, and gender and sexuality – young people do not see these things as oppositional.”

Professor Rasmussen and her team hope this push to understand more about young people's perspectives and what influences them will lead to change in our school system.

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Updated:  9 September 2018/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications