A global survey revealed that 71% of people believe children under 14 should not use social media platforms. This strong consensus reflects growing worldwide concern about the safety and mental health of young users.
Among parents of school-age children, support was even higher, with 74% endorsing restrictions. Countries like Australia are already preparing legislation to restrict children under 16 from creating accounts.
The survey, conducted by IPSOS, emphasizes public demand for stricter online controls to protect children’s mental wellbeing in the digital age.
Global Opinions on Education Systems
The IPSOS Education Monitor also examined how people perceive education systems, challenges in schools, and technology’s role in learning across nations.
European countries expressed particularly critical views. In Hungary, 59% of respondents rated their education system poorly. Similarly, 55% of French and 54% of Romanian respondents shared negative views.
Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium also reported high dissatisfaction. In contrast, Ireland appeared optimistic, with 71% rating education positively, while nearly half of British respondents (49%) expressed satisfaction.
Mental Health Tops Concerns for Young People
Mental health emerged as the most pressing challenge facing youth globally. On average, 33% of respondents considered it the top concern. This surpassed issues like inequality (28%), bullying (26%), and the pressures of social media (25%).
Over half of respondents (53%) rated youth mental health in their country as poor. Concern was particularly high in Chile (73%) and France (69%), signaling a global crisis in emotional wellbeing.
School Subjects: Preferences and Generational Divides
Globally, history emerged as the most popular school subject, followed closely by maths and science. However, mathematics remains divisive. While 30% identified maths as their favorite subject, 37% listed it as their least favorite.
In Singapore, opinions on mathematics were evenly split, showcasing a sharp divide.
Older generations often linked subjects to gender roles, considering science and maths suitable for boys, while literature was seen as a girls’ subject. However, younger generations are less bound by such distinctions, showing greater equality in academic preferences.
Q&A: Youth, Education, and Social Media
Q: Why do people support age restrictions for social media?
Concerns include mental health risks, exposure to harmful content, and the potential for online bullying among young children.
Q: Which countries show the most concern about youth mental health?
Chile and France stand out, with more than 69% of respondents rating youth mental health in their countries as poor.
Q: Are younger generations more gender-neutral in subject preferences?
Yes. Younger respondents display equal interest in science and maths regardless of gender, indicating a cultural shift in education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What age is recommended for children to start using social media?
Survey respondents suggested avoiding social media until at least 14. Some nations are considering raising the minimum age to 16.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing students today?
Mental health issues remain the most significant challenge, followed by inequality, bullying, and pressure from social media use.
3. How do global opinions on education vary?
Europe is most critical of education systems, while Ireland and Britain report relatively more positive perceptions, though satisfaction differs widely.
4. Which subjects are most loved and most disliked?
History ranks as the most popular globally. Maths is both loved and hated, while science and literature reflect generational and cultural attitudes.
Final Takeaway
The IPSOS survey underscores global concern about children’s mental health and strong support for stricter age limits on social media.
At the same time, the findings reveal shifting generational attitudes toward education, gender, and subject preferences. With mental health emerging as the most urgent youth challenge, policymakers and communities worldwide face a call to action.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician or healthcare professional before starting any new health practice, treatment, or following the tips mentioned here.
