They are known for their love of selfies and celebrities but a new study shows perceptions about young people are not matched by reality, with the majority more interested in social justice than social media.
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Far from being Instagram-obsessed airheads, the research by the NSW Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People found a striking degree of compassion among the younger generation.
Andrew Johnson NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, said the study of almost 1000 participants aged between 14 and 24 revealed children were well aware of social inequality.
"We often hear negative stereotypes about children and young people today, our research shows that this generation is concerned about others, community minded and have empathy," he said.
"We all know that some children and young people are doing it very tough but many children and young people ask for more to be done for other children in need, and particularly for those experiencing homelessness. These results highlight high levels of compassion and altruism."
Young people nominated improving the wider community ahead of self interest when asked about their hopes for the future in the survey, part of a wider research project which will be used to shape state government policy.
When asked about their future hopes, the top response was making the world a better place, followed by a desire for improved education, achieving their own goals and advancements in technology, science and medicine.
"This generation of young people are motivated to bring a positive change to the world they live in," Mr Johnson said.
One-third of young people named their parents as their heroes, well ahead of celebrities or sports stars. Almost two-thirds of the young people surveyed were involved in volunteer work, with the majority saying they were motivated by a desire to help their communities.
James Sabbagh, a 16-year-old student from the Sutherland Shire, volunteers at a school for children with a disabilities and helps organise Christmas lunches for people who are socially isolated. When he finishes high school, he would like to volunteer with a children's charity in Cambodia.
"A lot more kids are getting involved in volunteering, becoming socially aware and wanting to make an improvement," he said.
"It's a step out of our own experiences and into other people's lives and it lets us grow as people."
Yvette Quinn, a 19-year-old student from Newtown, volunteers at aged care facilities and will run sessions in the state's central west, advising young people about their options once they finish school.
"We're thinking about the next generation which is coming up," she said. "You want them to have it a bit better."
Marwa Abedine, a 16-year-old high school student from Sydney's south west, said older generations did not always recognise the contribution of younger people.
"It makes me feel like we're not appreciated enough in the community and the community doesn't see us as humans," she said.
Xavier Vo, also 16 and from Sydney's south west, said he'd like to see a future free from all forms of discrimination.
"If we didn't care about improving the world, what are we leaving for the next generation?" he said.
