Across our years of experience at Character Builders, and especially now, there is a recurring narrative circulating in society: that the future looks grim, that our youth are lacking character, and that traditional values are fading.

It’s easy to hear these stories and assume that something is fundamentally broken.

But we are in a privileged and deeply unique position. We work with young people every single day. And because of that, we see a very different reality, one that is hopeful, inspiring, and far more accurate than the headlines.

The truth is this: around 80% of students are exactly where they need to be.

They are young human beings who genuinely want the best for each other. They are intelligent, more informed than any generation before them thanks to unprecedented access to knowledge.

They are more aware of global issues, more emotionally attuned, and more socially conscious than many people realise. At the same time, we must acknowledge something incredibly important:

Our young people are turning up to school carrying more challenges than ever before, challenges we often can’t see, don’t fully understand, or couldn’t have imagined navigating at their age.

Social pressures, fractured families, mental health battles, online comparison, information overload, identity pressures, global uncertainty…… the load they carry is heavy.

And despite all of this, most of them still show up with courage, humour, kindness, and a willingness to try.

The 20% That Gets All the Attention

Of course, in every group, there is a small percentage, 20% who, for a variety of reasons, don’t feel ready to fit into the expectations around them. It’s natural, it’s human, and truthfully, most of us went through a similar phase in our own youth.

The challenge is that this 20% often dominates the narrative. Like most media, the negative stories get the loudest airtime.

And so, a stereotype forms, especially among those who don’t spend time in schools or working directly with young people. The actions of a few become the image of the many.

What We See Every Day Paints a Very Different Picture

Whether we’re attending a school or welcoming groups to us on excursions and camps, we see a profound and almost immediate shift in attitudes and mindsets from both students and staff.

Teachers often comment, “We always knew our grade was like this, it just doesn’t come across back at school.”

Why?

Because at school, students slip back into the mould that others expect of them. The stereotype is powerful, and limiting.

It can be disheartening for us to witness, because our role is to unlock the enormous strengths already sitting inside these young people. On our days with them, that potential shines through instantly. It’s proof that the character is there; the environment simply needs to make space for it.

As a Society, Our Youth Need Us, and Especially the Media to Lighten Up

We have to cut our young people some slack.

We must stop amplifying the fear and judgement (they are hard enough on self and each other without society adding to it) and start championing the majority who are doing the right thing, living the right values, and carrying the flag of hope for our future.

If we lean into what most young people are actually doing, we realise the situation is far brighter than the rhetoric suggests.

This blog itself is one small step in shifting that narrative.

A Recent Example: Livingston Christian College

One of our most inspiring recent experiences was with the students from Livingston Christian College. Their faith, their sense of purpose, and their willingness to serve each other were extraordinary.

They shared Bible verses throughout the camp. They offered devotions before meals. And they modelled humility, gratitude, kindness, and leadership.

Whether grounded in faith, values, or character strengths, what we witnessed was this:

When young people are given opportunities to lead from their heart, their capacity exceeds every expectation.

We see this every day. Livingston was simply a powerful reminder of what is possible.

Another Powerful Example: Browns Plains State High School

Browns Plains State High School is another school that consistently reminds us of the incredible heart and diversity within our youth.

With a huge student population and a true salad bowl of cultures and backgrounds, their community reflects the richness of Australian youth.

Every time we work with their students, we are met with warmth, inclusivity, and genuine connection. They welcome each other, and our team with open arms. Many of these young people do not come from the same levels of wealth or socioeconomic advantage that others in our country might enjoy, and yet their true wealth is unmistakable:

it shows in the way they turn up for each other,
the way they honour their school community,
and the way they lead with heart despite the challenges they face.

Their resilience, unity, and spirit are a powerful reminder that character is not defined by circumstance, but by choice.

A Message for the 20% Too

For the students who feel unsure, disconnected, or not yet willing to move in a positive direction, we must acknowledge that this is a normal part of growing up. They deserve patience, understanding, and encouragement.

However, it’s also important that they take heed and recognise their responsibility, not just for their own development, but for the culture and wellbeing of their entire cohort and school community. Growth requires moving from self-centredness to self-awareness and understanding the impact they have on others.

While we champion the 80%, it’s also important to be honest about the impact of unacceptable behaviour. Disrespect toward staff and peers cannot be ignored, because without clear boundaries and meaningful recourse, we unintentionally signal to the majority that this behaviour is normal or acceptable. That’s why it is incredibly pleasing, and essential, to see schools where leadership is strong, consistent, and unwavering. In these environments, inappropriate behaviour is met not with punishment for punishment’s sake, but with genuine restorative practices that guide students back to being decent, respectful human beings. These schools model courage, fairness, and integrity, reminding all students that character still matters and that growth is always possible. At Character Builders, we strive to do the same on our experiences with these students.

The message for All of Us

Whether you’re part of the 80, the 20, a parent, a teacher, a leader, or simply a member of our wider community, the message is the same:

We have wonderful youth in this country.
They are doing amazing things.
They are carrying silent loads we rarely see.
And the more opportunities we give them to build character,
explore who they are, and navigate a confusing world,
the brighter our future will be.