Loneliness in Australian Teens

The hidden epidemic: Teen loneliness in Australia and why teens with disability are hit hardest

An alarming 60% of young Australians aged 15–19 say they’ve experienced social exclusion in the past year.

That’s not a typo.

That’s from the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey, Australia’s largest annual survey of young people. And the message is clear: teen loneliness isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a systemic one.

Social exclusion refers to the lack of access to the resources and opportunities young people need to participate in society in a meaningful way. That could mean struggling with friendships, finances, stable housing, or education and employment

These are life-defining challenges. And the impact is stark: teens who experience social exclusion show significantly poorer mental health and wellbeing scores than their more connected peers.

And if you’re a young person living with disability?
Those challenges often compound.

When disability meets disconnection

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, only 1 in 3 people with disability can get to places outside the home as often as they’d like. That number drops further for those with more complex support needs (AIHW, 2024).

Think about that for a moment:

Being able to leave the house: For some teens, even stepping outside their front door can be a challenge. Whether it’s physical access to the home or the need for support to leave the house, many are unable to participate in simple daily activities like going to the shops, meeting friends, or even going for a walk in the park.
Public transport: getting on a bus or train might seem like second nature to most, but for teens with disability, it’s often a logistical nightmare. Inaccessible public transport, lack of appropriate seating, or the absence of support to travel independently can mean missing out on social events, gatherings, or even educational opportunities. Without reliable transport options, their world gets smaller.
Participating in social activities: Even when teens are able to leave the house, the spaces they want to go to often aren’t designed with them in mind. Whether it’s local parks, school events, or even friend gatherings, accessibility barriers, from physical ones like ramps and seating, to social ones like lack of understanding or accommodations, create a situation where their participation is an exception, not the rule.

These are barriers that prevent meaningful participation and lead to social exclusion, the result of which is loneliness.

In fact, people with disability are more likely to feel lonely than those without (29% compared to 17%), according to the same AIHW report.

How we can help: Addressing the barriers to connection

1. Improving Accessibility in Public Spaces

Ensuring that public transport, venues, and community spaces are fully accessible is a critical first step. It’s not just about adding ramps or wider door, it’s about designing environments that actively welcome people of all abilities. This means clear signage, assistive technology, and trained staff who understand the needs of people with disability. Communities that make these adjustments benefit everyone, creating spaces where no one has to worry about “how” they’ll participate.

2. Creating Inclusive Social Opportunities

Social inclusion starts with intentional programming that removes the barriers to participation. Communities, schools, and youth organisations can offer events that are specifically designed for inclusivity, whether that’s offering accessible transport to youth activities or ensuring that programs are sensitive to the different ways people communicate or move.

3. Promoting Awareness and Education

Building understanding around disability is crucial. We need to educate peers, families, educators, and even employers about the value of inclusion in terms of physical access, and emotional and social support. Greater awareness leads to better interactions, more patience, and a stronger sense of community and empathy.

4. Advocating for Policy Change

Ultimately, the foundation of social inclusion must rest on solid policy frameworks. Advocating for better disability rights policies, such as increased funding for accessible transport, improved school accommodations, and the removal of workplace barriers, is key to driving long-term change.

How We Can Support the Change, Together

At Life Purpose Australia, we’re committed to making this shift a reality by offering programs that reflect our belief in inclusivity at every level. We recognise that true connection requires more than just access, it requires environments where young people can feel seen, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

Our Teen Night Out and Girls Weekend Group programs are designed with this in mind. They’re spaces where teens with disability can experience meaningful social connection in supportive and inclusive environments. These programs aren’t just about getting together; they’re about breaking down the barriers that so often isolate young people with disability from the social experiences everyone deserves.

By creating these opportunities, we hope to contribute to a larger movement where everyone has access to belonging, and no one feels disconnected due to the disability they carry.

If you’re looking for ways to create more inclusive environments and build a community that welcomes everyone, we’d love to be a part of that journey, offering support in whatever way we can.