Survey reveals primary school children’s hopes and fears
An illuminating study from the University of Exeter sheds light on primary school children’s hopes and fears for the future. A survey of 11 year-old children reveals optimism about their personal futures but worries about war, crime and the environment. Compared with a similar survey carried out in 1994, today’s children appear to be more involved in action to change what they see as society’s problems, which researchers link to the teaching of citizenship in schools.
The study asked primary children about their hopes and fears for the future at a personal, local and global level. 425 children in years 4 and 6 from 12 different primary schools in London, Bristol, Oxfordshire and Devon filled in questionnaires. Findings have been published in journal ‘Education, Citizenship and Social Justice’.
Overall, the children surveyed are more optimistic about their own future than that of people in other parts of the world. The vast majority think their own life will get better but there is a small group (10%), mainly boys in urban settings, who fear that their lives may be worse as they grow up. These levels of optimism are similar to 1994, though today’s children are more likely to cite specific aspirations of good jobs (well over three-quarters) and material possessions. Over half aspire to having ‘lots of money’ or a nice house or ‘cool car’.
The local area is of great importance to the children, and two-thirds of today’s children would like more facilities for young people and less litter and noise. Three-quarters of children report worries about crime, violence, alcohol and drug abuse; more than in 1994 when homelessness was of more concern. Children hope for friendly neighbours, kinder people and no racism, with higher numbers of girls (23%) than boys (12%) hoping for improved community relations. One in five expressed fears about community issues, which ranged from terrorism, dangerous dogs, ‘the BNP taking power’ to knives and gangs.
Global hopes have remained the same over the years of the study – children want to see world peace, the alleviation of poverty and an improved environment. 61% are concerned about global conflict and boys in particular fear natural disasters. Many children are optimistic about environmental improvements, and boys think that new technology might solve some problems with some hoping for ‘flying cars’ and ‘robots to do housework’. Girls tend to look to improved relationships as the solution.
Today’s children are more likely to link global problems, and their solutions, to the action of politicians. In interviews the children talked about Bush and Blair, Iraq and the USA. Some eleven year olds appeared to be well aware of the current debates around global conflict. Children are more involved now in action for change – one-third of respondents are involved in fundraising or campaigns, compared to just one in 10 in 1994.
Cathie Holden, from the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter says:
These findings dispel any notion of childhood innocence. Children are aware of many of the challenges of our times as they speak about the dangers of drugs, violence, racism and the possibility of personal failure. The local community is not something ‘out there’, it is the backcloth to their very existence, and there is a real desire for a better quality of life. The media has brought the global community to their doorstep and all children, whether from rural Devon or inner-city London are aware of world conflict, environmental challenges and economic inequalities.”
Since 2002, citizenship lessons have introduced pupils to topical issues, problems and events, rights and responsibilities, democracy and the sustainability of the environment. However, half of respondents say that they still wish to be better informed as they have only learned ‘a little’ in school. Cathie Holden adds:
The vast majority of 11 year-olds appear to be optimistic, keen for information and wanting to play a part in creating a better future. Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled but citizens who bring their own experience, energy, hopes and fears into the classroom."
Cathie Holden’s paper ‘Concerned Citizens’ is published in Education, Citizenship and Social Justice, November 2006 volume 1(3) 231-247