In the lead up to the International Day of Hope, a new survey indicates that youth today are not only optimistic about the future, but also filled with innovative ideas for creating a more compassionate, equitable and environmentally-friendly planet.
The survey asked hundreds of children about their visions for improving the world. Their responses highlighted varied perspectives, from tackling large-scale global issues to simpler, more direct actions. The results affirm a growing body of research: despite existing anxieties about the future, young people still have faith in their ability to influence it.
In a recent poll of young readers by The Week Junior, a heartening 97% asserted their ability to make a positive change in the world, while 63% reported feeling hopeful about the future. The younger respondents were more likely to feel hopeful than the older ones.
The findings of this poll, conducted in anticipation of the International Day of Hope on July 12, are not fully representative of all children’s opinions. Nevertheless, its key discovery – a strong sense of personal impact coupled with high anxiety levels – mirrors larger studies’ results.
A YouGov survey used for the King’s Trust Youth Index, a representative survey of 4,285 individuals aged 16 to 25 across the UK, revealed that 70% were committed to achieving their ambitions. Nearly a quarter expressed that impacting their community or society positively was one of their top aspirations. Yet, 53% felt daily trepidation about their future.
Similar results emerged from the UK Youth Poll 2026, conducted among more than 2,000 people aged 16 to 29 by the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre. Only 36% anticipated a better life than their parents, a significant decrease from 63% in the previous year. However, 73% had participated in at least one political or community activity in the previous year.
The Week Junior’s young readers expressed concern over many of the same issues. About 40% highlighted the need for increased efforts towards climate and environmental conservation, suggesting strategies such as tree planting, wildlife habitat protection, ocean cleanup, and reduction of plastic pollution.
Around 31% emphasized the importance of kindness, fairness, and equality, and 28% underscored the need for ending wars and finding peaceful solutions. When asked what actions they would take as prime minister, responses included ensuring safety, expanding educational access, increasing tree planting, and offering free therapy.
The surveyed youth were not just concerned about global problems. The Children’s Society’s research, based on responses from 2,007 UK children aged 10 to 17, found that 40% were worried about inflation while 43% were anxious about academic performance. Nine per cent indicated low overall wellbeing, with a continuous influx of negative news and online content contributing to feelings of overwhelm.
Despite these concerns, youth remain steadfast in their belief that local actions are worthwhile. In The Week Junior poll, 59% reported affiliation with a community-helping group such as Scouts, Guides, sports teams, school clubs, or volunteering projects. Of those who did not, 58% expressed interest in joining one.
Youth shared instances of positive contributions they were already making, such as planting flowers at school, picking up litter, volunteering at Parkrun, and coaching younger children. One nine-year-old participant, Vidhi, had raised over £6,000 for Spread a Smile, a charity that supports hospitalized children.
When it came to technology, the responses were more divided. A slight majority, 51%, expressed concern about artificial intelligence, compared to 29% who felt positive and 20% who were unsure. One participant noted that while AI can be helpful, its omnipotence could also be disturbing.
The children defined hope in terms of a secure future for all, feeling accepted and capable of making a difference, and witnessing positive changes resulting from right actions. The optimism and determination of these young individuals to build a kinder world was incredibly uplifting. Not only do they feel empowered to improve the world, but many of them have already taken steps in that direction.
