Young people’s justice-related concerns in regional Australia: Insights from a participatory action research project on youth-led communication on health and justice

Abstract

Young people living in regional Australia tend to have little opportunity to voice their concerns about the challenges they confront on a day-to-day basis. In Australia, the tyranny of distance means that their voices are often unheard and unconsidered. This paper draws on a participatory action research project that aimed to improve justice, health, and well-being outcomes for young people in regional Queensland, Australia. The project revealed the impact of personal and community tragedies associated with substance use in regional Australia. In addition, the attitudes of the young people who participated in the project towards police were characterised by fear and hostility. The cohort was also vulnerable to victimisation through cyberbullying. Exploring these issues provides valuable insights into the diverse justice-related challenges faced by rural youth and an opportunity to identify recommendations for future strategies to empower and support young people to avoid entanglement with the justice system.