Despite declining fertility, Gen Z do want kids – but two things are holding them back
A 2026 report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies' 'Growing Up in Australia' longitudinal study reveals that most young Australians (71%) still desire children despite the country's record-low fertility rate. While economic hardship and unaffordable housing are significant issues, young people identify lack of trust in public institutions and climate concerns as greater barriers to parenthood. The study found that individuals with higher trust in social systems were more likely to want children, suggesting that confidence in societal stability influences family planning decisions. Researchers were surprised that economic factors did not strongly impact young people's childbearing intentions, highlighting the role of perceived future security and environmental concerns.
Despite declining fertility, Gen Z in Australia still show a strong desire to have children, according to new data. However, their family plans are influenced by growing concerns over the future. Most young Australians remain interested in parenthood, even as the country's birth rate hits an all-time low in 2024. A longitudinal study involving nearly 8,000 individuals in Generation Z found that 71 percent of participants, split evenly between those aged 19–20 and 23–24, expressed a desire to have children. Only 17 percent said they did not want children, while 13 percent had not yet decided. The study, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies' Growing Up in Australia program, revealed that while economic hardship and unaffordable housing are often cited as barriers, they are not perceived as the primary obstacles by young people. Instead, concerns about the environment and distrust in public institutions emerged as key factors shaping their decisions. Scarlet Lee, the Youth Governor of Victoria’s Youth Parliament, noted that young women, in particular, are focused on careers but believe it should still be possible to balance work and family life. Kirsten Campbell, the study’s lead researcher, emphasized that trust in societal structures plays a crucial role in determining whether young people will pursue parenthood. Those with high levels of trust in institutions such as hospitals, schools, and social welfare systems were significantly more likely to hope for children, 79 percent versus 59 percent among those with lower trust. Campbell explained that the data showed a clear link between confidence in the future and the likelihood of wanting children. “What’s driving whether their hope is translated into concrete intentions is… trust in the future state of the world,” she said. While almost all young people expressed worries about the economy, these concerns did not correlate with their desire to have children. About two-thirds of the Gen Z group were concerned about the environment, but those with less concern were more inclined to consider parenthood. Young women, however, tended to be more anxious about the future and had lower institutional trust than young men. This was attributed to the belief that women would rely heavily on supportive systems once they became mothers. They anticipated taking on much of the parenting responsibility and thus required confidence in the “social fabric” surrounding them. Participants indicated that their family plans were delayed, with many stating they would not act on their intentions within five years. Campbell noted that this delay could impact the number of children they eventually have, as most are aiming for smaller families, typically one or two children. “Most people are looking at the ‘one and done,’ or two, we are not seeing a lot of people aspiring for those larger families,” she observed. The report highlights the need for policies beyond just economic measures. It suggests that addressing issues such as social trust, inclusivity, and climate action could play a vital role in helping young people realize their family aspirations. Institute director Liz Neville underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in social structures, emphasizing the “broader social compact between families and the institution.”
Go to the primary sources (1)
The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.
A 2026 report reveals that most young Australians (Gen Z) still desire children despite falling fertility rates, with concerns over societal trust and environmental issues outweighing economic factors. The study, part of the 'Growing Up in Australia' longitudinal research, found 71% of participants aged 19-24 expressed a desire to have children, while only 17% did not. Researchers noted that trust in public institutions and confidence in the future significantly influenced family planning decisions, with higher trust correlating with greater hopes for parenthood. Economic worries, though prevalent, were not directly tied to childbearing intentions. Young women showed heightened concern about the future and lower institutional trust compared to men.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses concerns about public trust and environmental issues, topics with potential political implications, it presents balanced reporting without overtly favoring any ideological stance. It cites academic research and quotes multiple perspectives, including gender differences in担忧
Why factuality (85): This article mirrors the content of item 0 almost verbatim, including the same statistics from the Growing Up in Australia study and direct quotes from Kirsten Campbell. Like item 0, it lacks references to the related academic book mentioned in the primary source document but does not contradict any
Why objectivity (88): The article exhibits similar neutrality to item 0, presenting data objectively without apparent ideological leanings. It uses similar phrasing ('worry about the future', 'steep decline') which carries minor emotive weight but doesn't strongly favor one perspective over another.
A 2026 report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies' 'Growing Up in Australia' longitudinal study reveals that most young Australians (71%) still desire children despite the country's record-low fertility rate. While economic hardship and unaffordable housing are significant issues, young people identify lack of trust in public institutions and climate concerns as greater barriers to parenthood. The study found that individuals with higher trust in social systems were more likely to want children, suggesting that confidence in societal stability influences family planning decisions. Researchers were surprised that economic factors did not strongly impact young people's childbearing intentions, highlighting the role of perceived future security and environmental concerns.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses concerns about public trust and environmental issues, which could be interpreted through various ideological lenses, the reporting remains balanced. It presents findings without overtly favoring any particular political stance. The focus is on empirical data and expert解读,
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports findings from the Growing Up in Australia longitudinal study, citing specific percentages (71% wanting children, 17% not wanting them, etc.) and mentions the study lead Kirsten Campbell. However, it omits some contextual details from the primary source, such as the boo
Why objectivity (88): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, presenting survey results and quotes from researchers without overt bias. It avoids taking sides in the discussion of factors influencing family planning decisions. However, phrases like 'worry about the future' and 'steep decline in fertility rates' car
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
Australia
