Youth Insights Data: Topics of importance to young people What topics do young people think will affect them the most in their future? The British Science Association (BSA) has collated and analysed all of its data on youth perspectives, to provide a valuable collection of insights into young people's views on science. In this section, the BSA reveals its findings on the topics that young people are most concerned about, and what key areas of societal issues we should address for the future. Click here see the rest of our Youth Insights Data Key highlights: Climate change is a primary concern for young people Providing mental health services to all is a high priority for young people Young people have significant economic concerns Climate Change is a primary concern for young people Over the past few years, the BSA has sought to understand the topics that matter most to young people. Climate change emerges as the primary concern, with a significant majority (71%) believing it will impact their lives in the future. Pandemics and clean energy technologies follow closely, with 69% and 62% respectively agreeing that these topics will have a considerable impact. Topics of concern for young people Source: COVID-19, genetics research and medical data, UK 14-to-18-year-olds, 2020 (n = 1,000) These findings align with the priorities young people assign to scientific research and technology. Clean energy (52%), climate change (48%), medicine (38%), and food production (38%) are identified as the main areas of science and technology young individuals consider worthy of investigation. There is a slight trend of older young people expressing greater concern about science topics than their younger counterparts. 18-year-olds exhibit higher levels of belief in the future impact of various topics such as pandemics, gene editing in humans, and medical data research. This suggests that as young people grow older, they become more aware of the potential implications of scientific advancements and the need for research in these areas. These findings align with the priorities young people assign to scientific research and technology. Clean energy (52%), climate change (48%), medicine (38%), and food production (38%) are identified as the main areas of science and technology young individuals consider worthy of investigation. Topics of concern for young people, by age Source: COVID-19, genetics research and medical data, UK 14-to-18-year-olds, 2020 (n = 1,000) Regarding the importance of improving lives for the future, half of young people (51%) consider climate change as a crucial factor. The cost of living (37%) and renewable energy (26%) also emerge as significant concerns. However, it is worth noting that while 18-year-olds are most likely to believe that climate change will affect them, there is a negative association between age and the perception of climate change as an important factor for improving lives. Younger individuals, particularly 14-year-olds, place higher importance on climate change and the cost of living compared to older age groups. Climate change is an important factor for improving lives in the future, by age Source: Climate Change Education, UK 14-to-18-year-olds, 2023 (n = 1,000) Providing mental health services to all is a high priority for young people Young people place very high importance on the topic of mental health. 65% of young people believe that it is very important to provide mental health services to all. This figure shows how young people view this as a fundamental aspect of wellbeing among young people. The high percentage advocating for universal mental health services indicates a shift towards destigmatisation and a call for systemic change. 1 in 4 young people believe that young people’s mental health and wellbeing is most important to them. This illustrates the importance of robust mental health support in shaping a resilient future generation. Providing mental health services for all is important for supporting wellbeing in the future Source: Creativity in Science, UK 14-to-18-year-olds, 2022 (n = 1,000) Young people have significant economic concerns On average, over a third of young people believe addressing the cost of living crisis is key to improving their lives. This is highest amongst 14-year-olds at 43%. This shows a growing concern among young people about their futures, and spotlights the negative impact the cost of living crisis is having. Young people want to see urgency in policymakers to address affordability, wage growth, and sustainable economic policies. The cost of living is important, in terms of improving lives for the future, by age Source: Climate Change Education, UK 14 - 18-year-olds, 2023 (n = 1,000) Additionally, half of young people believe growing the economy is essential to their wellbeing. Young people see the economy as a significant part of their lives, and are concerned by the effects of the current economic crisis. It paints a worrying picture of young people being more concerned with economic anxieties than exploring their long term ambitions and aspirations. Growing the economy is important for supporting wellbeing in the future Source: Creativity in Science, UK 14-to-18-year-olds, 2022 (n = 1,000) Manage Cookie Preferences