There are some days when parents may feel like their child's worst enemy but a landmark study shows young people are more likely to view their mums and dads as heroes.

Research released by the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People on Monday reveals differences between perceptions about young people and their reality.

One-third of respondents under the age of 25 said young people would describe their parents as heroes, ahead of celebrities or political activists.

When the same question was posed to people over 25, they nominated sports stars, musicians and celebrities as the most likely heroes to young people.

About 40 per cent of young people described the world as a better place for them, while only 25 per cent of the older group felt the same way.

When asked about top fears for children, the younger respondents identified crime, violence and discrimination while the older group named sex, drugs and alcohol.

There was more common ground on the topic of hopes for the future with both groups nominating education but youngsters said making the world a better place was a higher priority.

The findings are part of one of the largest studies of children and young people in NSW, to be used to shape future state government policy.

More than 4000 young people from around NSW took part in the research which polled their views on a range of topics from government priorities to the qualities of a good society.

"Young people across the state are keen to have a voice and to have the government take their concerns into consideration," the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Andrew Johnson said.

Two-thirds of respondents identified education as a priority for the government, followed by transport and employment.

Common concerns about education included inequality between the private and public systems, over-crowded classrooms, lack of life skills education, homework overload and ineffectual anti-bullying programs.

Transport gripes included infrequency of services, unreliable timetables, dirty vehicles and the cost.

"While young people in NSW are positive about key areas of society such as education, health and transport, they still see room for improvement," Mr Johnson said.

"This focus on access to public services aligns with the fact that children and young people consider respect and equality to be the qualities of a good society."

Half the respondents nominated respect as a key component of a good society, followed by equality and safety.

"Today's young people aren't that concerned with themselves – they want to see everyone in society getting a fair go," Mr Johnson said.

The report has been handed to the NSW Government, with children and young people invited to have ongoing input in policy which affects them.