New research from Samsung reveals how societal issues are impacting young people in the UK, with almost three quarters (73%) of 11–15-year-olds surveyed expressing concerns about the future.
Almost two thirds (64%) of young people surveyed in the UK feel anxious about the future, according to new research from Samsung. The poll of 1,000 11–15-year-olds in the UK found online safety (47%) and the rising cost of living (61%) top the list of concerns among young people as they venture into adulthood.
Over seven in ten (72%) young people surveyed feel more worried about the rising cost of living today than they did a year ago, fuelled by worries about the potential impact on their parents’ financial situation (77%). Almost a third (32%) also expressed concerns about how they will get a job when they are older to support themselves, with fears that they do not have the necessary skills to cope in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world (23%).
Samsung commissioned the new research as it launches its Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen tech for good idea challenge, which encourages the next generation of innovators across the UK to help solve societal problems. This year’s theme, Living Well: Tech for a Happier, Healthier World, is designed to help young people solve problems they care about. Over four in five (81%) express a desire to make a positive difference to the world we live in, yet the research reveals that less than half (49%) feel the current, school curriculum prepares them to tackle societal issues.
Alongside the rising cost of living, online safety was also revealed to be another major source of concern among young people. Of those surveyed, 47% worry about the potential harms and dangers while using the internet, while more than half (58%) reported feeling more concerned about online safety than they did a year ago today.