Youth Right Now
Insights from the nation’s largest data set on kids & teens | Learn the issues facing youth in 2024
What Kids & Teens Are Telling Us About Their Future
A message from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President & CEO Jim Clark. Read more →
About the youth survey respondents:
Key Takeaways
Mental health is teens and tweens’ top issue and the area in which they feel their generation will make the most difference. The majority (80%) say they know techniques for calming themselves down.
The majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha plan to further their education after high school and are interested in scholarships versus taking on debt. They want jobs that help others. 95% say if they try their best, they can do most things.
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Spotlight on Plans After High School
The majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha plan to pursue postsecondary education. They are interested in scholarships versus taking on debt.
Over the past five years, the percentages of high school seniors applying for scholarships and postsecondary education have increased; however, in 2024, the percentage of high school seniors who applied for federal financial aid decreased to the 2020 level.
Spotlight on Teens & Tweens
Teens and tweens are interested in creative careers that make a difference. They report their biggest barrier to finding a job is not knowing where to start.
Mental health is teens and tweens’ top issue and the area in which they feel their generation will make the most difference. Other top issues youth care about include: freedom of speech, racial justice, women’s rights and community violence.
When it comes to youth mental health, young people report often feeling a range of emotions. When asked how often they feel certain emotions, teens and tweens said they always or often feel happy (72%), motivated (61%) and hopeful (61%). But tweens and teens also reported always or often feeling anxious (30%) and overwhelmed (32%).*
*Survey results in this section are comprised of responses from 2,985 Boys & Girls Club teens and tweens from 46 states and the District of Columbia collected between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. For some of these responses, teens and tweens were allowed to select multiple answers; because of this, the percentages provided reflect the proportion of respondents who selected each of those answers.
Our Experts
"What age should I let my child have social media?" Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to support parents in deciding the appropriate age for social media. But looking to recent data, expert guidance and your child's development, parents can make informed decisions on when and how kids use social media.
Within the past decade, examining childhood trauma has come to the forefront of understanding how early experiences, health and behaviors can impact adulthood. Read on to learn how to support kids through tough times.
Mental health days are a growing topic for adults in the workforce. We explore how mental health days can support youth well-being, too – as well as ideas for parents and caregivers to support young people’s overall emotional well-being.
Youth feel confident in themselves. They have a solid grasp on the importance of their emotional well-being. This generation intends to go to college and 11th and 12th graders report knowing what education and training they need for the career they want.
ACADEMICS
74% of youth ages 9-12 think they will attend college. 19% of teenage youth expect to complete 1-2 years of college; 29% expect to earn a 4-year college degree; and 27% expect to pursue an advanced degree (Master’s; Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent).
79% of youth say they are curious to learn more about science, computers or technology and 68% say they can communicate their emotions and feelings through art.
Character & Leadership
95% of youth say if they try their best, they can do most things.
86% of youth say they can stand up for what they think is right, even if their friends disagree.
Health & Well-being
80% of youth report knowing techniques for calming themselves down.
91% of youth say they understand how their feelings influence their actions.
Workforce Readiness
95% of 11th and 12th graders say they know what education or training they will need for the career they want.
93% of youth say they can work with people who are different than them.
Spotlight on Leadership & Community Impact
In the midst of an election year, Gen Z continues to be a major player as current and future voters — and current and future leaders. Meet eight teens and youth advocates who aspire to careers of positive change: BGCA.org/Ballot2040.
Some of the challenges facing youth center around building resiliency skills and maintaining strong social relationships with peers and adults. Youth report feeling easily discouraged – from learning new things to going along with others’ ideas. More than a quarter don’t talk to an adult when having problems with their peers.
ACADEMICS
Nearly half (48%) of youth say when they don’t understand something right away, they stop trying to understand.
Chronic absenteeism continues to be a national challenge.12% of youth report skipping more than 4 days of school in the last month.
Character & Leadership
52% of youth say they have trouble going along with other people’s ideas.
42% of youth say they get frustrated if they can’t do things their way.
Health & Well-being
More than a quarter (26%) of youth say when they have problems with their peers, they don’t talk to an adult about it.
18% of youth report being cyberbullied in the past year.
Workforce Readiness
A quarter of youth (24%) feel they’re not very good at organizing a team of peers to do a project.
14% of youth say they don’t feel comfortable asking questions when they don’t understand something.
Resources for Parents, Caregivers & Educators
Any grownup will tell you: adulting is hard. Which is why many teens these days are interested in life skills not taught in school — from knowing how to save money to navigating relationships. Read on for some essential things to know before graduating.
Having a caring adult who believes in them outside of parents and caregivers can mean the world to a child. Discover where to find the perfect youth mentor to help kids and teens learn about themselves, see what’s possible and achieve their dreams.
Every young person has the potential to be a great leader, they just need the right opportunities and support. Discover how to develop leadership skills in kids early on so they can be ready for their futures.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a 160-year-old youth development organization that serves more than 3 million young people each year at over 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation and on U.S. military installations worldwide. We are committed to empowering all youth to reach their full potential, providing safe spaces, caring adult mentors and life-enhancing programs. Recognizing the issues facing youth today, we are actively working to address the youth mental health crisis; provide life and workforce readiness programs that support young people in securing first jobs and navigating vibrant careers; and ensure all young people have the resources and access they need to achieve great futures. Join us.
Downloadable Resources
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Survey Summary, Full Survey Results and Teen & Tween Spotlight
