According to the report Health and Wellbeing of Australia’s Young People 2003, the four main languages spoken at home by young people were:
All other remaining languages were spoken by less than 1% of young people. Over 200 languages are spoken in Australia. Being able to speak English enhances opportunities for participation in Australia. However maintaining a young person’s first language is essential to help young people to be part of their culture and express their identity. Speaking a person’s first language is important especially if the members of their family or their ancestors can only speak their first language. A person’s culture and identity are often changing. During adolescence understanding identity may become more complex and difficult to do. Culture can be influenced by belief systems, different groups adapting to new environments and the media. Australia is a multicultural society where cultures need to work together. However young people are often faced with racist comments, are harassed or have been physically abused. Racism can also occur through name calling, teasing, verbal abuse, and bullying. Physical abuse or violence can often occur in pushing and shoving, property damage, fights between individuals or groups of different races. All racism can have a negative effect on the mental health and wellbeing of a young person.
