The 74 offers four key findings from a survey last year of nearly 3,000 12-26 year olds (Generation Z) focusing on how they think about their education and future. The survey was conducted by Common Sense Media, Gallup and the Walton Foundation.
1) Mental health & gun violence are the most concerning issues
Nearly a third of Gen Z members feel that youth mental health challenges are the most pressing issue for their generation. Girls and white children cite the issue more often than peers.
Bullying or discrimination and social media are seen as the primary causes of the mental health challenges.
Gun violence is the most pressing issue for about 21% of Gen Z.
In the first month of 2024, about 400 children and teens were wounded or killed by gun violence.
2) Most of Gen Z are interested in STEM careers but many won’t pursue them
Desire and preparedness for STEM careers are two different things. Girls are less likely than peers to pursue the field due partly to a lack of mentors who students can identify with, imposter syndrome, and facing stereotypes about who is capable, according to the survey.
A huge discrepancy in middle and high school STEM offerings across the country has left the majority of Gen Z high schoolers unexposed to basic courses and curriculum such as computer programming, 3D design, cybersecurity and hydraulics.
This gap could hurt the economy. About 1.4 million technical jobs in fields like engineering and computer science may go unfilled if more students don’t pursue STEM careers. The number of STEM jobs will increase 11% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3) Most of Gen Z see better education as the key to improving lives of children
Most voters agree with young people — about 53% say the education system is a saving grace for children in the U.S.
Some older Gen Zers say their top education priorities are getting kids to read at grade level, teacher burnout and associated shortages, bullying, and student mental health. Individualized learning plans; increased teacher pay; more social, emotional and mental health support; and smaller class sizes would make the biggest impact, they contend.
But about 60% of Gen Z believe politicians do not reflect the needs, desires, and experience of young people in this country well.
4) Optimism about the future runs high
Despite growing up amid periods of extreme violence, social unrest, and historical traumas, including 9/11 and the pandemic, 70% of Gen Zers think they’ll be about the same or better off than their parents when they are adults.
Schools can help create a functional adulthood for teenagers and young adults by helping to eliminate worries about meals, health care, their own safety, and their ability to take care of their families when people get sick. Make those things better and then then people will feel better, according to the report.
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