The rising cost of living and online safety have emerged as top concerns for young Londoners between the ages of 11-15.
Among 1,000 teenagers surveyed by Samsung, the rising cost of living (61 per cent) and online safety (52 per cent) top the list of concerns about the future.
Over 70 per cent of those polled said they are more concerned about the rising cost of living now than they were a year ago, and 77 per cent had concerns about the possible effects on their parents’ financial status.
Concerns about how they would find employment when they are older to support themselves were voiced by nearly a third (32 per cent) of respondents, who were worried that they lacked the skills needed to survive in a society that is becoming more digital and more reliant on artificial intelligence (23 per cent).
In addition to the rising cost of living, young people's main concerns were found to be internet safety.
Of those polled, 47 per cent expressed concern about the possible risks and negative effects of internet use, and 58 per cent said they are more worried about online safety now than they were a year ago.
To encourage the next generation of innovators in the UK to assist in solving societal problems, Samsung commissioned the research as part of its Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen tech challenge. The goal of this year’s theme, Living Well: Tech for a Happier, Healthier World, is to assist youth in resolving issues that are important to them, according to Samsung.
Less than half (49 per cent) believe the current school curriculum equips students to address societal concerns, despite the fact that more than four out of five (81 per cent) say they want to change the world in which we live.
Last year’s Solve for Tomorrow challenge was won by Millie from William Farr School, who was awarded first place in the 11-13 category for her innovation My Bear, which encourages children and young people to tackle hate by learning about other cultures. By linking the bear to an app, the user is rewarded with points.
Lorelei, Ruby and Riya from Croydon High School won first place in the 13–15 category for their submission, a secret safety bracelet intended to help women and girls when they travel alone.
This year, young people from all around the UK will participate to develop their own technological solutions to societal issues, with the possibility of winning technology prizes.
Soohyun Jessie Park, head of corporate social responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK, said: “We’re calling out to secondary schools across the UK and Ireland to join our tech for good idea challenge. Since launching in 2021, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen has reached 180,093 young people, and we’ve seen 2064 tech-for-good ideas – the programme is all about inspiring the next generation of innovators, and we can’t wait to see what young people come up with this year.
“Along with entering the challenge, we welcome teachers to make use of our free resources all year round on design thinking, careers in tech and, new for this year and part of our educational online safety tools and resources, how to use AI responsibly.”
The GMB Union has recently warned about the lack of teacher training in the area of AI and has called on the Government to work on plans for AI technology in education.
