Teens Fear Life Will Be Tougher For Them Than Their Parents

Teens Fear Life Will Be Tougher For Them Than Their Parents: According to new education market research, released by the National Children’s Bureau, around a quarter (24%) of children aged between 11 and 16 felt that their lives would be tougher than those of their parents. The research, carried out with almost 3,000 individuals in England and Wales, points to a decline in expectations for social mobility among today’s youth.

Teens Fear Life Will Be Tougher For Them Than Their Parents

Teens Fear Life Will Be Tougher For Them Than Their Parents

In addition to the quarter who said their lives would be harder than their parents, around a fifth (17%) felt that their lives would be just as tough, and a sizeable figure (22%) said they did not know. Only 37%, less than two in five, felt that their life would be better than their parents.

This most recent survey follows a trend of research findings released in the past by Ipsos-Mori. The previous findings suggest that:

  • Of those born in 1945-1960, 70% expected their lives to be better than their parents
  • 1966-1979, 60% expected their lives to be better than their parents
  • 1980-1995, 42% expected their lives to be better than their parents

Despite the downward slide in expectations, the majority of respondents to the most recent survey did not mention gender or ethnicity as being something which they felt would hold them back. Most believed that England and Wales constitutes a meritocracy where those who tried hard enough could be successful regardless of background. More than four fifths (84%) agreed with this interpretation, stating that a person’s background would not hold them back.

The President of the National Children’s Bureau, Baroness Tyler, stated that the 11-16 year olds surveyed shared ‘some of the concerns of their parents’ generation’.

She described ‘Generation Next’ as being anxious about getting grades and a job, about their appearance, and about their parents having to work too hard.

 

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