A growing cohort of young people are turning to artificial intelligence for mental health support, as new polling reveals the top issues keeping young people in New South Wales up at night.
The new poll results come from the NSW Office for Youth ahead of 2026 Youth Week, which starts Thursday.
Results of the 2026 Youth Week Polling Report, shows 29 per cent of young people said they use AI as a support strategy to look after their mental health and 27 per cent are using AI for conversation or personal advice.
Poll results say mental health is the top issue, followed by cost of living and housing.
While four in five young people say they are happy with their life, the data makes clear that social media and bullying continue to impact the mental health of young people, despite the social media ban.
Nearly half of young people said the delay has had no impact on them, mostly because they’re still using restricted apps or have switched to other apps.
A total of 36 per cent of young people polled in New South Wales said the ban has had a positive impact and 13 per cent feel worse.
The new poll results land ahead of NSW Youth Week which commences this Thursday, with hundreds of events taking place across New South Wales between April 16 and 26.
Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said the insights give her office a clearer picture of what young people need.
“It’s encouraging to see the majority of young people say they are happy, but that sits alongside some pretty stark realities about the challenges of they’re facing, too,” Ms Jackson said.
“Whether that’s bullying and discrimination, the rise of AI, or concerns about jobs and housing.
“The issues young people are worrying about are real and I want them to know that we see them, we hear them, and we’re doing something about it.”
NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Katherine McKernan said the 2026 Youth Week polling report shows young people are adapting to and adopting change far more confidently and quickly than adults.
“The polling results around AI usage not only show this but also identify how government and services also need to adapt to better support young people,” Ms McKernan said.
“It’s up to decision-makers to keep up with the momentum of positive change young people expect and deserve, and young people can feel assured that the Office for Youth is working to make the ambitious aspirations of New South Wales youth a policy reality.
“More than three in five young people feel the NSW Government listens to the opinions of people their age when making decisions but heading into Youth Week this polling is a reminder for all of us to amplify the voices of young people in everything we do.”
NSW Youth Week is from April 16-26, 2026, with the theme Dream. Dare. Do.
The theme is designed to encourage young people to think creatively, take bold steps, and turn ideas into action.
The theme was proposed by 15-year-old member of the NSW Youth Advisory Council, Hafsa, and reflects a strong focus on courage, ambition and making positive change.
Youth Week is designed for young people aged 12 to 24 and provides opportunities to come together, have their voices heard and participate in a wide range of community activities.
Throughout the 10-day event, councils, schools and youth organisations host free activities such as live performances, workshops, competitions, and social events.
These activities aim to celebrate young people’s talents, highlight their contributions to the community and provide a platform to speak up about issues that matter to them.
