Concerns Over Finances and Employment Dominate Young People's Worries in the UK, Poll Reveals
Research indicates financial insecurities overshadow climate and cultural issues for UK youth.
A newly released poll, part of the UK Youth Poll 2025 conducted by Glasgow University’s John Smith Centre, reveals that financial stability, work pressures, and job insecurity are the primary concerns for young people aged 16 to 29, outpacing anxieties related to social media, climate change, and cultural debates.
The findings challenge prevailing narratives about generational conflict, suggesting that intragenerational differences, such as class, education, and gender, are often more salient than differences between generations.
The research indicates that 37% of respondents identified financial worries as their leading source of anxiety, followed by work pressures at 23% and job insecurity or unemployment at 20%.
Concerns about social media ranked lower at 14%, while climate change garnered only 10%.
Despite concerns regarding democracy, 57% of respondents expressed support for democratic governance over authoritarian rule, while 63% acknowledged that they believe democracy in the UK is facing significant challenges.
The poll revealed that a notable 75% of young people have engaged in some form of political activity in the past year, demonstrating a proactive stance toward political engagement.
The survey uncovered strong sentiments surrounding social media, with 67% advocating for a ban on use for individuals under 16 years of age.
Concerns about toxic masculinity are prevalent, with 67% of young people perceiving it as increasingly common, while an almost equal split emerged regarding the view that feminism has caused more harm than good, with 42% in agreement and 45% in opposition.
Additionally, 73% identified racism as a significant societal issue in Britain, and 51% felt that immigration has positively impacted their communities.
Eddie Barnes, the director of the John Smith Centre, stated that while the youth are cognizant of serious societal issues, their immediate priorities revolve around the practicalities of daily living.
The poll also highlighted a pronounced political divide among young men, with a notable segment expressing preference for dictatorship over democracy.
A disparity in optimism regarding the future also emerged based on employment status; 70% of full-time workers articulated optimism about their personal prospects, compared to only 44% of those without employment.
Education levels further influenced political engagement, as 34% of degree holders believed that their voting could influence local change, whereas only 19% of those without qualifications shared this belief.
The report characterizes Generation Z as a diverse group with views shaped by their socio-economic contexts, revealing a significant difference in political activity between those in full-time employment and those who are long-term unemployed.
The findings challenge prevailing narratives about generational conflict, suggesting that intragenerational differences, such as class, education, and gender, are often more salient than differences between generations.
The research indicates that 37% of respondents identified financial worries as their leading source of anxiety, followed by work pressures at 23% and job insecurity or unemployment at 20%.
Concerns about social media ranked lower at 14%, while climate change garnered only 10%.
Despite concerns regarding democracy, 57% of respondents expressed support for democratic governance over authoritarian rule, while 63% acknowledged that they believe democracy in the UK is facing significant challenges.
The poll revealed that a notable 75% of young people have engaged in some form of political activity in the past year, demonstrating a proactive stance toward political engagement.
The survey uncovered strong sentiments surrounding social media, with 67% advocating for a ban on use for individuals under 16 years of age.
Concerns about toxic masculinity are prevalent, with 67% of young people perceiving it as increasingly common, while an almost equal split emerged regarding the view that feminism has caused more harm than good, with 42% in agreement and 45% in opposition.
Additionally, 73% identified racism as a significant societal issue in Britain, and 51% felt that immigration has positively impacted their communities.
Eddie Barnes, the director of the John Smith Centre, stated that while the youth are cognizant of serious societal issues, their immediate priorities revolve around the practicalities of daily living.
The poll also highlighted a pronounced political divide among young men, with a notable segment expressing preference for dictatorship over democracy.
A disparity in optimism regarding the future also emerged based on employment status; 70% of full-time workers articulated optimism about their personal prospects, compared to only 44% of those without employment.
Education levels further influenced political engagement, as 34% of degree holders believed that their voting could influence local change, whereas only 19% of those without qualifications shared this belief.
The report characterizes Generation Z as a diverse group with views shaped by their socio-economic contexts, revealing a significant difference in political activity between those in full-time employment and those who are long-term unemployed.
