What matters most to young people?
Discussion questions | This is for ages 14 to 16
Tell us which news story you think is the most important for young people today.
Stories hit the headlines because they matter to people. But what matters to an older person might not be as relevant for a younger person. So, what news stories do you think are most important for young people, and why?
Tell us what you think
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I think [ insert topic / news story ] is most important to young people because...
Make sure you read the comments from other Topical Talkers to see whether you agree or disagree with them.
Comments (259)
I am not too sure but for me and those close to me agree that conflicts and war happening around the world affect us young people very much. These conflicts can interfere with our future, taking away oppurtunities that we haven't even been able to receive yet. Many articles (my sources are from the BBC) show how governent spending has gone to defence. My sources show that the British government spending has increased from 2.3% to 2.5% by 2027. This money could have been invested into young peoples future but at the same time I understand the reason for spending money on defence due to the conflicts happening around us which poses a security alert toward some countries but if we didn't have conflicts at all this money would not be in my opinion wasted. Thank you very much and I look forward to seeing other peoples views.
I personally agree that warfare (civil and international) affects the young people, including I myself, on a tremendous level. Therefore, I believe that the safety of young people, who are entitled as being the future and the leaders of our tomorrow, should be held at near equilibrium to the investment actually made on them. I believe this because... let us take the risks of kidnapping as an example, the government puts a lot of funding into schools, only for the schools to be attacked by bandits and kidnappers. So in my opinion, raising youth empowerment centres such as schools without a proper defence system, would only be putting the lives of many students in imminent danger
You have a very good point there, but if you reason it, you will see that the young can actually help them self by starting up small businesses to help them self in their sectors of need not just waiting for the government and even in war you can still help out in the community to get small cash for your use and if wanted the use of your family do you agree with glorious_literature.
I agree with you
I agree with your opinion here. War, not only affected our future but also caused a lot of suffering to those who lived in the area of the conflict. War can caused a lot of damage and would also caused many instabilities in this world. Milions people could die because of this. You said that because of the increase of your's government spending in defence, many young peoples have lost the chance of getting some for their future. But, have you ever think the suffering of the kids in the conflict area like Gaza and Ukraine? The conflict and war could caused a lifelong trauma to them. Also, have you count the number of childs that died in Gaza? Peoples could lost their homes, families, and sanity. And, let's not forget the soldiers that are involved directly in the war. Many soldiers suffered PTSD after they're involved in a war or conflict. The effects of war is actually more devastating than we could ever think.
In my opinion, the most important news story for young people today is pollution because it is something really harmful and we really have to stop it because it's a serious problem . Young people are the future so it is going to be easier for them to make changes and help protect our environment .
I agree because... climate change has really been a great issue for not only us as humans, but the whole world and its living things that live within it. We need more young people believing that climate change will be too big of a problem if not deal with sooner, with climate change dating back all the way to the 1800s, it's has been a issue for a very long time. And this problem is not getting any better, with ocean temperatures being the highest it has ever been since last year, to which that same year had beaten the pervious year for highest ocean temperatures, this is showing a repeated pattern of increase temperatures that seem to only keep going up, to this I say it must be stopped. Young people are our only way to be able to help our world before it is too late for the next generation.
I agree because... yes as a fifth grade student pollution and climate change is ruining the world because as we grow up it gets worse because now because of climate change polor bears are dying because of climate change and now pollution has been a thing for a long time and now people could die because of the smoke in the air and trees are dying and after the trees die we lose our oxygen for future generations.
What do you think can be done to prevent the effects of climate change?
i think it is finding using artificial intelligence or brainstorming putting all our minds and creativity.
The solutions can be improving on electric cars and punishing the act of burning in open places and the act of deforestation.
I think it's a big issue, but there are things we can do to make a difference.
Start small: reduce your plastic use, use public transport, and save energy at home. Plant some trees, support eco-friendly brands, and spread awareness among friends and family.
Every small action counts,and collective efforts can lead to significant change.
Thankyou.
Exactly, climate change has been going too far, and now people have put the responsibility on the next generation. As you said, ocean temperatures have been skyrocketing, with ice caps melting/sea levels rising. If we don't get a good idea around how to, at the very least, contain it, it will get even more out of hand, resulting in extreme weather and economic problems, such as hurricanes, droughts, and even damage to the industry/infrastructure. Agriculture is the most vulnerable victim of climate change, while infrastructure damage has reconstruction costs of airports, rail lines, and coastal properties rising to trillions of dollars. In conclusion, you're 100% right, and we need to focus on this problem ASAP.
How do you think we can most effectively focus on this problem?
I think the most effective solution would be to adapt and prevent at the same time. Prevention would mean governments and companies, no matter how big or small, would actually commit to cutting CO2; switching to more renewables, building better transit, and holding major polluters accountable instead of pushing the blame towards individuals. Adaptation would mean protecting what is at risk: climate-resilient agriculture, stronger infrastructure, better water management, and even warning systems for extreme weather on the horizon. Education and policies matter too, because when people understand the stakes and vote using their knowledge (not propaganda), real change happens faster. Concluding this comment, we can't leave this ALL to the next generation; it needs people to coordinate now at the political, industry, and community level.
You have a solid point we young people have to play a part in our environment, and that includes protection our environment. It doesn't matter if we are still young we can still make an impact in the world. Now, the whole point of Topical Talk is for us all here to share our creative ides using our initiative to solve problems around us. Right ?!! So the change begins from us.
What you think?
You are right. For me, I suppose societal customs and values affect us (youths) . I say this because, as young people, society places a lot of expectations on us. It could get really overwhelming at times. Some youths feel this pressure and do things that do not please themselves. They can adapt measures like OVERWORKING themselves, which may lead to burnout and exhaustion just because they want to fit in with the society and its standards. Maybe some of the standards may be good, while others are negative, but from what i have noticed, this matters to youths and it shouldn't be undermined.
I agree because pollution is a very serious harmful problem and we do have to stop it soon enough. Since we young people are the next adults in future so it would be possible to make changes and help protect our environment. Since pretty much anything is possible due to the technology these days it is going to be easier for us to help the environment in the future.
You have made an interesting point here, would you be able to explain and give an example of how adults can make a change to protect the environment?
Of course, adults can make a change to protect the environment by reducing the amount of air pollution they cause, since air pollution causes smog this can be harmful for people especially those with asthma, this can cause respiratory issues and harm ecosystems. Adults can change this by reducing the amount of time they drive a car, they can switch to electric equipment, or they can even turn off the engine of their car when it's not needed. Another way to help the environment is to care for trees and plants, since they help clear the air so they can start growing more plants and trees to help clean the air.
Hello best_grapefruit,
I agree with you that pollution is a really important problem for young people. You can already see its effects, like kids in big cities having trouble breathing because the air is dirty, or beaches being covered in plastic instead of shells. These things show that pollution isn’t just about the future ; it’s affecting us right now.
However, I think we also need to be careful about how we fix it. For example, electric cars help reduce pollution, but they are very expensive, so not everyone can buy them. That means some people are left out of the solution. Also, renewable energy like wind turbines and solar panels can help, but they sometimes need huge areas of land. This can cause problems like farmers losing their fields or communities losing space where they live. So even good solutions can accidentally hurt people.
So pollution matters a lot, but the way we solve it matters too. What do you think?
I disagree because... its made with chatgpt
Well I get where your coming from but actually the news isn’t just today’s problems I understand it is good to view the bad things in the world right now so people understand that the world that we live in can we harsh but actually the news does not focus on harsh times loads of the news could be comforting and harmless. If that was just what the news focuses on- negative things- then we would have chats such as “Oh did you see on the news how a really happy wedding happened.” Or something like that.
I agree because... I also think that the news isn't the problem. I think the problem is us because we don't always take the news the way the anchor played out for it to be. in other words we don't listen carefully and take the news a different way. While the news sometimes highlights the wrong things, we are only human and are not perfect. We will make mistakes.
I agree with your idea that pollution is harmful as it affects everyone. I understand your point when you say that it is a serious problem and will affect our future. However I also think that big companies who make up around 70% of the total emissions (The Guardian) and the adults and people who often control what the market looks like should also take responsibility. In my opinion while kids can and should speak up, I strongly believe we can get more change when people who harm the planet take responsibility, own up and lead by example! This way kids can also talk about it without dealing with all the pressure and stress that is pollution.
Can you explain how you think people can lead by example?
Yes! I can go into more detail about what I mean when I say "lead by example. " In other words, I believe that people can set an example for others by changing their own habits and behaviours first, such as using less plastic, conserving energy, and recycling more. Next larger businesses can set an example by reducing their own pollution, such as by actually using cleaner energy, rather than only talking just talking about what they could do. In order to help make a difference, adults can both support and follow laws and rules that protect the environment. When kids see adults and other people they look up to doing these things, it shows them that protecting the planet is very important and possible when everyone does their part to help with what they can.
I agree because as we are growing we keep on learning from the first day we were born till now we have watched people do things and learned how they did it still by watching and it was noticed and that is how the phrase" lead by example started".
I agree with this comment, pollution is an immense problem in the UK. The streets are almost flooded with piles of rubbish in almost where I live. We can solve this by forming a team which picks up rubbish. When I was still at primary school, we formed a rubbish litter team and they picked up rubbish with the police! Needless to say, this is a huge problem in the UK but i think if everyone started caring about the environment, our streets could be clean and beautiful again.
Agreed, pollution is a global vice and young people could be the remedy, but, that is the if, our current generation are not old per say, we know how to tackle it, you know, clean energy and things like that, but the realism of the situation is the problem, globally, there is a very big gap in the technological world, maybe because a particular group of people cannot access such means to tackle pollution, or to invest so much is just not on the radar for a nation! Pollution is very harmful and threatening to us human beings and we should take care of it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but just access issues and general attention to such is more of a long-term world project, as every human has their contribution to such.
Reason my point and let me know what you think!!
Good day,
best_grapefruit i agree with you but do you know that the young can help themself by going on sanitation day and keeping the environment clean and this can help both the young and the world and just like a famous saying by Al Gore pollution is never the road to prosperity that is why we should keep the environment clean and if you notice 99% of the world is under air pollution and all i try to say is that they can help themself in this aspect you understand me
Yes, I personally agree with you based on the fact that we are not too young to make an impact in this world. Just as you mentioned about the issue of pollution. By this we have to start now and make our mark as innovative young leaders who can be know for our brilliance, confidence and innovative thinkers. Well, change starts with us, innit?
I totally agree with you because...the fact that we are young should not make us ignorant of the environmental hazards around us. Instead, we should let go of that mentality and strive to be productive and creative in order to make an impact in the world at large. Thanks.
Yes, I personally agree with you based on the fact that we are not too young to make an impact in this world. Just as you mentioned about the issue of pollution. By this we have to start now and make our mark as innovative young leaders who can be know for our brilliance, confidence and innovative thinkers. Well, change starts with us, innit?
Dear best_grapefruit,
Your opinion about pollution is very interesting. How do you suggest that we, the young people, can help protect our environment by reducing pollution?
I agree with you 100% but there is a problem that they may be bored we can make it somehow more fun for them
We can make it like a game or a small reel maybe a small brochure in the role of the school.
I believe that youth (13-19 years) is a great level in any one's life that needs to be experienced neatly and efficiently. In this part of your life, everything will be like a dilemma. Literally, every thought and every action will be like that. Also, this is the stage that everything you are doing will go on and continue with you throughout your whole life. Furthermore, if you wanted to change a behavior or an action you make after your youth, it would be too difficult to change since you were used to it in your youth stage. Consequently, this is the perfect chance for the parents to encourage their children for recycling, reduce pollution and climate change and solve many different problems.
In my own point of view, I think that the most important thing for the young people is education and using AI because all of the young people have their own creative dreams such as to be a marvelous scientist that helps and changes the world or an astronaut like Neil Armstrong or a successful doctor like Magdy Yaacob. Education is the way for all of their dreams. Subsequently, they also use AI to help them study and save their time and effort. By concentrating, they can achieve their dreams.
However, some young people may see that they are talented in a specific sport so that they can be an ideal athlete. Moreover, an example of this is the magnificent player Pele. He was the youngest player to win the world cup (17 years old). Also, he gave his country 2 more world cup when he was young.
To conclude, there are many perspectives for what matters the most for the young people.
Thank you for your comment! And welcome along.
I agree because... Education varies in different aspect of life. It comes with goals and backs up plans on dealing with the innermost secrets beneath our expectations, though a lot don't get the proper format of education because of the nature of the world. So, I think the problem of unavailability of resources, bad governance, and personal thoughts, intellectually& physically, could best be helped in other forms of education, not really necessary from school but through other curious ways that are of positive virtues.
I agree because education is of vital importance to young adults worldwide. Education is the stem of everything that has built this world, from medical cures to AI. The world we live in today has been built on the knowledge that has been discovered through dozens of centuries. Without the correct education, famous scientists or politicians like Albert Einstein or Winston Churchill would have not accomplished the achievements we praise today. As the younger generation, it is important that we receive a satisfactory education. Our discoveries will change the world but we need a proper education to do this.
Hello , quickwitted_knowledge
I also agree with you that education is important to all the young adult worldwide. AI could be useful in many ways, mostly in entertaining people when one Is bored .
Moreover , I also disagree that the usage of AI too much also has it's own way of affecting people. Just like someone who uses AI a lot even if the question is as easy as defining a noun, one who is addicted to technology would go to browse what is a noun. So what I am talking about is if there is no internet connection that person would be a dummy, but what if the person didn't rely on AI that much, the person could have answered the question in a twinkle of an eye.
THANK YOU.
I agree with you because education is important to all young stars worldwide. Also AI is useful in variety of ways. AI has it's own way of affecting people like too much browsing. Some people would just want to browse to oppress others who don't have the opportunity to browse or they don't have their phones, laptops, or ipads to browse. But there is something people don't know as they are browsing to oppress others they are weakening the capacity of their brain thinking.
THANK YOU.
Can you explain a bit more about weakening brain capacity through using AI?
Exactly! The use of AI has become extreme. We have lost the value of doing things ourselves nowadays. People always say "Why spend two days on a project when AI can do it in an hour?" Yes AI has helped a lot, but it has just made us lazy, no one wants to use their creativity. Sometimes our teachers don't even intensively teach a subject because they feel if we don't understand, we will ask AI to assist us. It breaks me whenever we get a group project and no one wants to put in effort to make it original, something you can be proud of saying "I came up with this". I sincerely hope you guys view this issue from my perspective on this point.
Thank You!
You are absolutely right. Young people these days are fully dependant on AI that it is becoming unhealthy. If the whole world was dependant on AI, what do you think will happen when there is no internet access. Using AI is not bad but how much we rely on it for answers.
Yeah , I also agree with you that young people are now depending on Ai a lot and also if people continue to depend on Ai a lot who do you think will do the farming ,teaching or will it be robots that will teach us.
I URGE YOU NOW TOO MUCH DEPENDANT ON AI IS NOT GOOD
Hello, quickwitted_knowledge,
I totally agree with you that education is the key to helping young people achieve their dreams. AI could be a big help, especially in making learning faster and more fun. Imagine AI helping us with personalized lessons, like choosing the best way to study based on what works for each person; that would be super useful!
However, I also have to disagree with using AI too much in education. AI can be really awesome, but it might also make us too dependent on technology and not think as much for ourselves. If we rely too much on AI, we might miss out on learning important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and even social skills.
Also, AI isn’t perfect. It can sometimes make mistakes or even be used in ways that aren’t fair. So, we need to be careful about how much we trust it in schools.
What do you think?
Do you think AI could make us less clever if we rely on it too much?
Good day.
I totally agree with you on the effect AI can cause in our life's. AI is here for us to help us in problem solving . AI are very much efficient in our daily lives for example health, finance , digital services and entertainment and lot more of that.
But there are things AI can't do for most people right in their lives that they need, AI can't help people with family issues , being in a state of depression, addictiveness towards drugs , cause it is not built for understanding people and help them solve those problems , it is only there to help with what we can't do on our own with out the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
There things that need understanding between human begins that only us can understand and help each other that AI even when upgraded a millions times can not be able to do.
We do not need to rely on AI on every single thing we do , we need to learn how to support , advice , encourage each other in every thing we do , so that in the nearest future our children also can learn how to understand each other from their heart and mind not from what will make them rely on something every single time.
Thank you and God bless all.
Hello lively_philoplospy, I totally agree with you. AI is actually making young children brain go crazy and making them believe everything they see on the internet and actually talking to the AI more about school problems than their own family. so I agree
Very much sensible talk there, AI is meant to be developed to support human beings, not to take over our own identity, think about it, if we keep going with AI messing up original information and special artifacts online by simple videos or other things like that, we could be in a lot of trouble, it means anyone can "generate" wrong evidence of something with just effortless clicks, Ai has its ups, but so many downs
If the younger generation of people decide to take AI as a necessity of some sort, it will kill our global identity.
Hello , quickwitted_blueberry,
I will strongly agree with you based one the fact that everything in this world has an advantage and disadvantage. Now, let us discuss about the issue of AI as digital_synthesizer proposed. Just as you mentioned AI will be very much useful especially in our modern generation.Due to the vast amount of knowledge AI has it can assist us in our learning and tutor each and everyone of us about a area we don't understand, or even rather explain topics our teachers couldn't explain or teach us.
I would like to make emphasis on why I said assist us. AI shouldn't be our personal slave but rather be used as a tool that will assist us in our day-to-day lives. Also, each and everyone of us should not be too dependent on AI reason being that it can reduce our creative. Young ones like us need to use our initiative to solve problems around us rather than using AI to solve those problems. I would like to encourage young ones all around the world to learn to use their initiative as this can lead to them being critical thinkers who can solve difficult tasks ahead of them.
To answer your question I think in my opinion that AI makes us less clever. Thank You.
I really believe, or more so, I really want to believe that education is the key to all our dreams. I very much believe that schools impart knowledge that you are not likely to discover in your leisurely stroll across the park, or at the beach with your friends, but education is not the door to everything in life. Let us take into consideration what our friend, honorable_attitude has said, there are problems that could be helped through other curious ways that are of positive virtues. there are many individuals that are where they are without receiving formal education such as Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, who dropped out in his 6th grade, and completed his education after he had established himself high in the world of business.
To conclude, there are many opportunities outside the four walls of school.
I agree with you on multiple levels.
First of all childhood is when your brain is still developing so it can learn things much easier than when you are a full grown adult we can compare it to hot wax when you are little your brain can still easily be molded to understand things.
But when you become an adult your brain becomes less flexible like wax hardening.
Second of all studying is like a key to the door of success for you and others so you should study to help yourself AND others too.
Finally, of course many people are more talented at things than other so it would make sense to follow the career that relates to that, but you also have to try to develop new skills because, who knows, it might help you in the future so don't just stop at one decent skill.
Thank for your comment quickwitted_knowledge
You have a well-rounded comment and I look forward to see your other ones.
I agree with most of your perspective that young people value many things; however, the use of AI is something that I consider unethical and not as important in my personal life. Despite its benefits in efficiency and speed, AI often has evidence that isn't cited properly, creates dangerous and inappropriate images when prompted, and lacks important human characteristics of empathy and critical thinking. In the Peach State, Georgia, United States, the creation of a data center in Newton County has been causing local water supply issues, often leaving inhabitants with less water than usual. With restrictions it can be improved, however, for now, I think it should not be as pervasive.
I agree because...
Dear quickwitted knowledge,
It is wonderful to see you are deeply thinking about your future!your ideas show that you are ready to take on the world.You are right to say that the ages of 13 to 19 are some of the most important years of your life.By using professional words and thinking about how to spend your life "neatly and efficiently "you are already acting like the scientists and astronauts you admire.Keep facing your dilemmas with courage ,use technology to help the world,and never stop dreaming big.The world is waiting to see what you will achieve.
By making smart choices today,you are already building a wonderful future for yourself and planet.Just like the soccer star Pele,you can start following your dreams and protecting the planet right now!
I agree that education is important for young people but still it’s not the thing that matters to them. It might be vital for their future but it might not matter the most for them.
They like playing enjoying their lives, listening to news, music, etc. But get educated… that’s a whole new point.
Many students hate the way they get educated, not only about receiving info but also about when.
They dislike how they need to get up early everyday plus how they should be fully awake at 7 am which actually gets u out of the mood by just thinking about it. It may be also about the school itself, the way they treat children that they need to follow rules; that’s a point cuz children hate following rules that they think aren’t convenient to them.
As a nut shell, educating is important but youths are mostly forced to get educated not because they hate education but because they care about other things that they think aren’t convenient more important to every age group.
Children dream to be marvelous scientists, astronauts, doctors but without hard-work.
To be honest, not all children hate education, many love reading books, taking courses, improving their language, studying and many more.
Biased on UNESCO, 272 million children worldwide aren’t attending school, which is a massive number.
This is an interesting response to the question, can you explain further the impact of children not attending school. This could include the impact on the child / children and also the future impact on society.
For sure!
Children not attending school can lead to less knowledge from children to others, which would result in a poor future. I mean by “Poor” that they won’t have enough knowledge to join a job with high salaries to live, but beside money, here comes their future (let’s think a bit forward): if they got married and had children, they won’t be able to help them with anything related to education; even because they can’t help them, they might just make their kids quit school as well, which would destroy the next generation (of course that’s beside affording a healthy life for their children).
About the future impact on society, it increases the crime rates which is really dangerous. It also increases mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. Moreover, it leads to anti-social behaviors which results in higher risks in social isolation.
To sum up everything, not attending school may seem really astonishing and extremely exciting but in reality it’s extremely risky and would change your life 180 degrees.
I agree with your perspective because youth is such an important time to form habits, skills, and values that can affect the rest of our lives. For me, AI has been really helpful in school. It makes researching topics faster, helps me understand things I might struggle with in class, and gives me new ideas for projects. Using AI has allowed me to focus more on learning creatively instead of just memorizing information. I even used it recently to help plan a science project, and it gave me ideas I never would have thought of on my own.
At the same time, I have noticed that sometimes I rely on AI too much and do not think through the answers on my own. It is easy to just follow what it suggests, and that can stop me from fully understanding the topic or coming up with my own ideas. I have learned that using AI responsibly means checking the answers, thinking critically, and adding my own thoughts. I think it is important to use AI as a tool to help us learn, but not let it replace our own thinking so that we can still grow, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Hi quickwitted_knowledge!
I really liked the points you made on education! It is so true that when you are a teenager everything is as you say: a dilemma. All the emotions you feel are way stronger and you may have very strong passions! However, I would like to address what you say about sports and AI. I think it is very true that a lot of people like Pele are able to use their talent to climb to the top and be successful on the other hand there are many who mismanage their money. Basketball stars and many boxers like Mike Tyson and Allen Iverson often waste their money on unnecessary things because they decided to leave school to fully purse an athletic career. The point I want make here is, I think its is great that people want to achieve their goals but I believe that it is very important they stay in school to when they fail they have an alternate path to fall back on or at least are educated enough to manage their wealth well. The second thing I want to adress is your point on AI. While AI is an amazing tool for many people to make studying easier I believe a lot of kids would rather use AI then actually do their school work. It is so much easier to just ask ChatGPT or Deepseek to just write your essay in 10 minutes than to do it yourself. For that reason I strongly believe that kids in school shouldn't be allowed to use it many often use it to cheat just because of how useful it is. However I think this all ties back to your point on education for the youth! I totally agree just how important it is as it gives them the ability to change and adapt to the world!
In my opinion, the most recent news on what happening to the world is the most relevant since they are still young and want to know things like :trends (so that they don't feel left out) and anything that would harm them so that they watch out
But old people are different, them being old means they have experienced alot and there is a decent chance not alot surprises them anymore aside from being old they usually have frail bodies and that results to them not leaving their homes very often so practically nothing (in the outside world) can effect them unlike young people
I think that banning Schlep (one of the youtubers) from Roblox (a worldwide enjoyed game played by most children in the world) is most important to you people because schlep was the one reporting to the police about the criminals who use Roblox chat to abuse those young people and trick them to know private info.
After a while, Roblox made a huge mistake they banned schlep. After the ban immediately, Schlep got more popular and Roblox's reputation became very bad even many countries including Qatar banned Roblox and Schlep and other families sued Roblox for the unsafe environment and famous lawyers got into the act and LAW BY MIKE the lawyer and youtuber helped them. This soon became a huge international problem.
Now I want you to look, many of the young were spending their childhood in Roblox and then all of a sudden all of this happens in front of them. Spending years in that game then knowing it was never safe and they are not in danger right now cause of pure luck. Now they are watching from away to know are they safe or not.
Hi, Tamarind, it's me again!!! I personally don't support letting young kids play online games like roblox. It infiltrates their young minds with things that are too much for them. Imagine letting six-year old play Call Of Duty Mobile. Such a child would start thinking violent thoughts at such a crucial point of mental development. So I think that young people should spend more time in the physical world with friends and family.
I disagree because... I can get the fact that violent games at an early stage can sow violent seeds that will sprout in the nearer future, but I still believe that there are mind engaging games with positive outcomes and can teach valuable morals that will last for a long time because they are taught at an interactive level.
This is a hugely important issue; it may not be the most serious for adults, but for younger kids/children around the world, it sure is. The whole Roblox ordeal of predators or people looking to take private information on the app has been an issue. It connects to a huge issue that is taking place in our world about online safety. As our world evolves and using online platforms is more common and even expected, we must teach younger kids to adapt to it. Learn not to share private information or to always tell an adult if something weird happens. Organizations like Roblox need to work on protecting young users from these issues, and the fact that Russia, China and many other countries have blocked Roblox due to safety concerns means this issue is definitely impacting younger children and teens. As someone who has younger siblings, I feel the same way with you. I want to make sure they are safe using this app. And that really shouldn't have to be a concern of mine. Right now roblox is currently trying to be sued by many different states in the United States because it has been exposing children to things they should not see, hear, experience, or have around them. And sadly, it's the younger children under 13 at the biggest risk. According to a Gabb article, 1 and 7 parents reported their under-13 child experienced harmful or manipulative actions while using the app. And that's just the parents who are aware of what's happening. So yes, this is a very pressing issue, especially since it links to children being exploited online and the huge problem of cyberbullying.
I think peace is super important for young people today.
When there’s war or conflict, it makes everything really stressful. It’s hard to focus on school, friendships, and even just being happy when you’re worried all the time. Sometimes, it feels like you can’t escape that feeling of being anxious. And when people are stressed, they often feel alone, like they’re the only ones going through it.
But if there was more peace, we wouldn’t have to feel that way. We could focus on enjoying life, learning new things, and helping others. It would be amazing to live in a world where we didn’t have to worry about violence and danger. When we feel safe, we can do our best, whether that’s at school, with friends, or even in our hobbies.
Peace matters to young people because we’re still growing up and trying to figure out who we are.
We’re learning what we want to do in the future, like what job we want or what kind of person we want to be.
If there is peace, we can make plans without feeling scared. We can go to school, chase our dreams, and help each other.
We are the next generation, so peace matters because it decides what kind of world we will live in when we grow up.
I also disagree with people who say peace is boring. Honestly, peace is awesome because it gives us the chance to be creative, to dream big, and to do the things we love without being scared.
That’s why peace is important for young people; it makes us feel safe, happy, and able to do everything we can to grow and succeed.
A well-explained comment, well done! And something we all hope for.
Hello resplendent_blueberry, That is such a great point, and I totally agree with you. It’s hard to do your best at anything when you’re feeling worried or stressed out about what’s happening in the world.
Here are a few reasons why what you said really stood out to me:
Focus and Learning: You’re right—it’s so much easier to concentrate on schoolwork or enjoy your hobbies when your mind isn't heavy with worry. Peace gives us the "brain space" to actually be creative.
Growing Up: Year 6 is a big year with lots of changes! It’s the time when we should be thinking about our dreams and our future, not feeling scared about what might happen next.
The "Boring" Myth: I love that you mentioned this. Peace isn't boring at all; it’s actually exciting because it’s the only time we really have the freedom to try new things and be ourselves.
When we feel safe, we can be better friends and help each other out more. If the world is peaceful, we get to build the kind of future we actually want to live in. Thanks for sharing that—it’s a really important reminder for everyone!
Hi there fun_journalist. I appreciate your ideas, however I am led to believe that you possibly used AI assistance for this comment. I don't want to bring down your comment, however there are many indicators that you may have used it. For example, just overall the way your writing is structured is very similar to how an AI would write. Not just that, the overall point of your comment seems to just be you explaining why you liked this comment rather than the typical adding on and including your own also is a sign. For example, ethical_penguin who responded under you under the same post not added their own perspective, they also left their comment on a note that welcomed even more discussion. Also, the use of m-dashes and quotation marks leads me to believe that there was some sort of AI used in the process of creating your comment, as well as the fact that it looks like you added the 'hello resplendent_blueberry' after you wrote everything else. I also used multiple ai checkers on your work, such as quillbot and zero gpt, and the results were sadly that this post was written by Ai. However, I know that simply completely believing Ai checkers wouldn't be fair, and that many people get penalized despite using their own words, however using AI in this sort of competition is just completely disregarding integrity. If I am wrong then I profusely apologize. I do agree that the original comment had many good points, and your take on peace was very insightful if you wrote it.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. You're right that we shouldn't be using AI on the Student Hub because we want to hear original thoughts from young people about what you really think! However, our moderators tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. Well done for being perceptive - and make sure all of your own comments are original work so that you set a good example!
I agree with you @respledent_blueberry because we are young and to an extent unexposed individuals, unlike our ancestors who fought colonial wars. We are currently living in the world of technology and may not be well acquainted with violence. I am personally traumatised by the news of deaths of many people in my country not to even reflect on the global stage. But we have to encourage ourselves and be the change. We all have a part to play in this world as we should exhibit love, and peaceful co existence among ourselves. The major cause of violence to me is lack of tolerance. To me peaceful coexistence is brought about by tolerance, we all have friends and know that in our friendships, we all fight because as friends we all have habits that other individuals have that may not be so likeable, but with tolerance we can move on with the friendship. I too am working towards being the change in my community by living at peace with everyone and tolerating their opinions that are good and proper societal values. So, my fellow topical talkers, let us all take a look around us and begin the change, so that as we grow it is a part of us. I am open to other suggestions from others who may oppose or agree with my opinion. THANK YOU.
Hello! I really love your comment and totaly agree with you. As you wrote, I also think that peace is a one of the most important thing to young people. We all grow hearing and learning about being sympathetic and how to get along with people to live altogether. That means the effects are huge enough to the whole citizens in the world that we can't ignore. And that's what could be called peace. I think you pointed out this part very well by using organized statements and using examples that makes people to understand easily.
Furthermore, youridea made me think about the world society today. Although most of people or even everyone wants peace and live in Utopia, there are still a lot of happenings such as argumets and conflicts around us.
I also strongly disagree with people who say peace is boring. Peace is dominant to everyone.
Hello topical talkers, I hope you are doing great. We will talk about what matters the most to young people. That topic made a huge debate. Furthermore, me as a young man for me what matters the most is balancing between playing and studying because I am still young and scientists proved that a young man day should contain about seventy percent of playing. However, I think seventy percent is too much that could hurt your eyes and hands.
To put it in a nutshell, balance between the studying and playing is very essential as a daily life and the parents should also consider this and don't give your children and eight-hour task that would exhaust them and when they ask to play you say no.
Thank you for your comment! And welcome along.
I agree with your statement, video games are very unhealthy for the body and lifestyle. For example if kids play video games for too long it can affect your eyes causing bad vision. When on the screen for too long it can cause blurred vision, eyes burning, and headaches. On the screen for too long can also cause some effects to your well-being, playing video games for too long can cause obsession towards the screen causing kids to neglect their personal diet and hygiene, this can lead to the reduce of physical activity. For example if you're sitting for too long playing in the game this can lead to pain in the neck and back. So to conclude this whole point, video games can cause children to become obsessed by playing video games messing up their well-being and affect physical activity to children.
What do you think can be done to prevent the affects of video games on young children?
Things that can be done to prevent the effects of video games on young children to set time limits. Guardians can set time limits on how long children are allowed on screen to make sure it doesn't affect sleep, studying, and physical activity. Guardians can also encourage other activities to their children in other sports and hobbies so they can stop relying on video games for entertainment. Lastly, guardians can also teach their children about the health risks of video games so they can balance out their screen time on their own to help them learn self-control.
I think the issues arising between Greenland, USA and the United Kingdom is the most important for young people because prices are rising from 10% to 25% due to the United Kingdom wanting to help defend Greenland from being controlled by The United States of America instead of Russia or China. In addition to this, Greenland's ice sheet is melting, and this has significant implications for the UK. The USA has significant impact on international climate policy and its actions. Therefore, children in the UK should be aware of these issues because they will inherit the consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events, which are directly linked to the melting of Greenland's ice and global climate policies influenced by the USA.
I believe that climate change is also of great issue in our world currently. The youth have come up with a multitude of initiatives to handle these crisis, such as "Zero Hour." This youth-led organization holds marches, art festivals, and discussions on the topic of global climate change. They work to educate not only the youth but adults on what causes climate change and how we may work together to fight against it. Aside from that, they also do political work to inform our adolescents on racism and sexism, which are heavy-hitting topics that equally affect us as young people. In facing all these challenges head-on, this non-profit is making a change across the world. I believe that in creating organizations as such that support our beliefs and educate others, we are slowly helping pave a way for our next generations that could have once been lost.
Hi,I want to say that telling me about climate change really means a lot.This tells me we should practice to stop climate change.You have also identified the approach that makes youth movements unique.
totally agree with your comment. but have you considered that the U.S buying Greenland as its a part of Dennmark who is in the N.A.T.O allience with the us buying greenland could end NATO and could be on a fastrack to WWIII.
News stories are extremely important because they link young people’s lives, future and education, and interest.
When young people know more about university opportunities, school systems, scholarships and changes in exams, that leads for having a better future and career.
The first thing youngsters need is Excitement
Excitement is crucial for the healthy development of young minds ,while doing work and studying is also important, a bit of excitement every now and then is crucial to not ending up with a burnt out mind that once belonged to brilliant person.
The 2nd thing a youngster needs is the ability to fit in, some people,who for example suffer from autism, struggle with this and the results aren't pleasing but this isn't something someone can change all by themselves other people can help them too. A good way to understand them is put yourself in their shoes. We are all in this together so let's make each other lives better.
Remember every young person you see COULD be the key to accomplishing something great.
Thank you for your comment!
I agree that excitement can be important, even if you don't crave something like that. While also releasing dopamine and endorphins which we know can boost your happiness attention. As well as the need to fit in can be very important as it can also affect their mental health.
I think social media and advancing technology have become most crucial for today’s youth :
Because these tools define and determine how we acquire knowledge, interact with one another, and perceive the world around us. In today’s technology-driven world, technology is no longer a tool but a friend and a gateway to infinite possibilities.Social platforms give youngsters a chance to connect with their friends and share ideas, fears, and emotions without any boundary constraints of location and culture. Technological advancements give youth access to learning and studying online classes and tutorials that may help trigger curiosity and motivate youngsters to learn more and more by themselves. The creativity and imagination of youth turn into a reality when youngsters create videos, artwork, music, and other digital products that turn imagination into reality and motivate and inspire many others to achieve more than what is seen and achieved by them today. Moreover, with increasing usage of various social platforms available today and with less exposure and red-tapism between them and leaders and policy makers, today’s youth have a platform to voice out their opinion and views through social media,social and technology are important to the young people's.
Thank you for your comment!
i think what matters or what is recent now a days for the young people is Ai.
Ai is the most talked-about thing amoung young people, but they use it without thinking about its impact on the environment or even on young people
Ai uses massive amount of energy and water and the electricity often comes from fossil fuels which causing significant greenhouse gas emissions and this could destroy the environment.
Ai might also be harmful for young people cause many ai tools collect personal information and it can be used to create realistic but fake images, videos or even voice recording which young people might not different shape between if its real or fake. Also relying too much on Ai for schoolwork or answer can stop young people from thinking from themselves, damaging the ability to solve problems or be creative.
The use of Ai for young people should be under parental supervision and for beneficial process, not for unnecessary things, in order to protect the environment and avoid overworking young minds.
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I disagree because... Ai is one of the social media site that is causing harm to our young stars currently. its making us forget about critical thinking its making us feel relaxed, which is not supposed to be. we as the young stars are the ones to change the world to a better place but Ai is spoiling us totally.
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I agree with you glad cicada. Ai is good but at the same time, it has negative effects. Ai is helpful in so many ways, but I believe that it makes us lazy in so many ways such as critical thinking as you said, problem solving, creativity, and even originality. As young people we always want to get things the easy way and I don't think that's right.
In the aspect of creativity and originality, as students, if we are given a task to write a poem on nature, most of us would rather ask Ai to generate a poem on nature other than sitting down and thinking of ideas on how to write our own poems, this doesn't make us creative and allow us to use critical thinking skills
I think PARTICIPATION is more important with the younger generations because participation gains you experience, confidence, critical thinking etc. In my surroundings I see peoples are not showing intrest in participating in any events also ,some students who mocks you when you are participating, the thing I personally faced also, I think that young people's participation is very important in shaping a country's future, youth will give you new idea, new perspective, also a better view in the problems. When participation is encouraged in politics, media it helps to develope a good democratic country. For me , participation icreases transperancy in events, when participants question, discuss, debate, provides solution the management acts more responsibly
Well in my own point of view I think what matters most to young people is money-making. Almost every teenager wants to engage in activities that will be profitable for them. Most of them are always eager to start earning at their early age, not depending on their parent for money for their own personal needs.
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I agree with this alot! Not only with money making but with knowing what do to do with it. From what I've seen many people struggle with being able to handle and properly handle their money. They recklessly spend or do not know how to budget this often leads to a poor living situation.
In my opinion money means nothing if somebody doesn't know how to handle it. Its not like this is a made up problem either! A good amount of homeless and unemployed people did not know how to handle their money. Yes money is essential but if you do not know how to handle it then you might as well not have it.
Interesting comment diplomatic_rock, thank you for sharing. Can you explain your evidence about people who struggle to manage money?
Yes, not only have I seen this in real life with friends and even family though i have researched some as well! One of my most used websites is www.pnc.com where they explain why people struggle with money and how it can effect them. This help me a lot by sharpening my understanding of this topic and helping me with evidence.
I think Artificial intelligence is most important to young people because it is creating a lot of job opportunities for the young minds. Studies from institutes like SIRT shows that careers like AI Engineer and AI cybersecurity expert are expected to become the highest paying jobs in the upcoming years. So, if young people gets awareness about AI through the news articles, they understand these opportunities and prepare themselves early.
There are also many debates about whether AI is dangerous. This can be tackled only if the youths understand AI better and use it responsibly for their own future.
According to NITI Aayog, AI can add around $450-500 billion to India's economy by 2030, but this growth depends on how the youths understand it and use it wisely.
This can also help in the growth of startups, based on AI as India has one of the largest IT and startup ecosystems.
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Given my exposure to campaigns focused on environmental science and youth mental health, I had never truly considered the benefits of AI, but I agree that, in a professional setting, AI can be highly beneficial to the development of professional sectors.
However, as aforementioned, AI can have deeply disturbing effects when used in “recreational” settings on environmental and youth mental health, and I believe there is no debate over whether AI is dangerous, but rather over how much more dangerous it will become in the coming years.
Here in the U.S., AI has led to the rise of a phenomenon known as “AI Related-Psychosis”, a term used by Psychiatry Professor Dr. Joseph Pierre to refer to the rapidly increasing correlation between the use of AI and the development of psychosis-like symptoms. Thus far, the US has lost at least 5 people to this phenomenon, 3 of which being youth. These were people who had lives that they left behind, in part due to the unregulated nature of AI in “recreational” environments. Speaking of environments, as someone with family in the U.S.’s Cancer Belt, I know how AI has made life excruciating for these communities, poisoning their air and water supplies, exacerbating the diagnoses of cancer and other health issues(as reported by the Harvard Business Review).
Nonetheless, the key lies in what you mentioned earlier: “responsibly”. If we shift as a global society to using AI responsibly in professional settings, we take the burden off our health and our environments while still reaping the benefits of this new frontier of development.
@Inspired_crab, thanks for your comment. You say that "I know how AI has made life excruciating for these communities, poisoning their air and water supplies, exacerbating the diagnoses of cancer and other health issues" and cite the Harvard Business review. Can you cite specifically how AI has caused these issues? I'd be curious how AI (alone) poisions air and water supplies, for example.
I agree very much to this. AI is meant to be a tool to assist our everyday well-being, because I don't think the creators of AI intended for it to take over our responsibilities. Therefore, we must use AI responsibly and we must think to ourselves; does the uncontrolled dependence of AI really improve us, or does it make us lazy and less intellectual.
I agree with u, I think that AI is a very important tool in our lives and our future. AI has its advantages in different sectors of our lives. We are gradually moving into a world where AI is dominant in almost everything we do but this should not distract us from what we do. We humans created AI to help us so we are much more dominant than it.
Due to the spread of AI, we tend to use it in our daily lives which may helps us but also gradually "destroys us". By this statement i mean that AI can cause us to be lazy humans especially us students. Many of us now depend on AI for our work or assignment which is not really ideal. What we need to understand is AI and how we can use it for the betterment of our future.
Education is about us learning. We cant allow AI to learn for us. Can we?
I think the current and developing young minds are mostly interested in peers and friends, this is because as the day goes by and by young people get to socialize with different people from different places and this people can either have positive or negative influence on us. If the influence is negative the behavior of that individual instantly changes because they start thinking of how to live up to the expectation of their peers ,regardless of the type of character they display. But if the influence is a positive one they begin to also portray attitude that are of positive relationship.
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The young people in the world, are like bone breakers to great changes in the world, though our brains are sharp and miles away to the opportunities of our minds, in term of critical thinking and the exploration of the universe at large. It's a bit sophisticated in the aspect of the earthly problems and struggles, so, most young genius tend to be experts in the field of technology, by giving their best to the new development of the world, creating other vital ideas related to the situation of our country. The young can be the bravest because we can think beyond" what goes around us" and" the mountains we define ourselves to be", so, the millions of ideas, dreams, successive goals and talented ideas that buzzles round our brain, yet to discover, but ready and set to ace a gain are mostly the few thoughts of young people. This may include our careers, educational goals, motivational thoughts and curious virtuous that could be of great heights to our dreams.
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Personally, I think what matters to most young people is how people feel about them. Most youths are more concerned about how people see them rather than how they see them-selves. Most teenagers want to feel liked respected loved and admired which makes peoples comment matter very much in their life. I guess that is why most people spend a lot of time on social media. they want to see what people think about them if they are good or bad.
Sometimes people think about suicide, just because of they are not accepted or loved or because of what people say about them.
Which makes them not to be themselves instead they try to be what others want them to be.
In the community where I live, I found out that what matters most to young people is social media, if I'm not mistaken many students where I live today don't do things that will engage their brain during the holidays but rather use their time on social media apps like twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, or sometimes search Music artists and watch music videos. Another thing that matters to young people is machinery work [They do not want to do it the manual way] they just want to live in a free world.
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I would not necessarily say that "machinery work" is what matters most to youth. AI is one of the greatest causes of climate change in our world. Their high usage of energy drives up greenhouse emissions. Similarly, to cool down AI generators, waters from lakes or rivers are used, making that water not only dangerous to the ecosystem but unusable due to new chemicals being exposed to it. I bring this up because many youths as displayed in the comments care about climate change and are willing to educate others on the dangers of it. We would not be advocating against climate change if we also did not know the things that created it and remained wary of it. While some may use AI it would not be fair to say that it mattered the most to youth in our current society with climate change fast arising.
I think what is more important to young people nowadays is how to earn a living or how to survive in their country. My suggestion is gotten based on the state of my country and how youths life are today. Most young people are looking for ways to have a stable life in the country today.Youths that do not have jobs go into smoking and smuggling drugs, because they do not have a means of earning a living and it is affecting their health. Lack of job opportunities are some of the reasons why things like arm robbery , kidnapping, and all other crimes that are not acceptable by the society happen. Lack of job opportunities do have serious effects on young people who are struggling to be able to live in the society. Much young people in the world today have suffered greatly due to kidnapping and all others due to lack of job opportunities and some of the effects have caused to death of some youths. If job opportunities are to be provided to youths today the rate of all this crimes and some youths that use illegal method to earn a living will be reduced.
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Hello topical talkers, hope you are doing great. I think climate change and the environment are what matter most to young people today. We are the ones who will be living on this planet in the future, so seeing news about plastic in the ocean or global warming is really scary. It’s not just a story to us; it’s our future.
I also agree with what some other people said about how we need a balance. School is important, but having time to play and be creative is what keeps us happy. If we just worry about big world problems all the time, we might get burnt out! It would be great if adults listened to us more because we have good ideas about how to fix things.
I agree because... global change is a growing problem that many people are adding to without realising. Learning about this topic could help children do things to prevent the increase of global warming.
hi fun journalist
in agreement to what you said, I would like to throw more light on this idea
we are the leaders of tomorrow born to make change, impact, and help fix problems but that does not mean that we should be over tasked because each child have their limit and it should be respected by people around them.
when all of this is done it will make children happy and voluntarily
I agree with this because the forest fires that are happening all over Canada is increasing every year and our parents never had to experience something like this. All over the world there have been more and more unpredictable weather patterns and so many natural disasters. From 2000-2019 major natural disasters such as droughts and floods have increased by 170%.
I think that the current geopolitical tensions between the world is the most important piece of news to young people. In Europe, Russia's war against Ukraine remains a warning to the rest of Europe. As well as Germany beginning to rearm its military in preparation for a Russian offensive. The US beginning to stop rearming Ukraine has also prompted more countries to be alert for a massive military conflict in the region. Even more surprising is the fact that Poland is encouraging Germany to rearm which really puts into view how insane the situation is between Russia and the rest of Europe.
The Indo-Pacific is yet another front facing extreme tension between nations. Both the U.S. and China want control over the island of Taiwan and the South China Sea. Taiwan is a massive asset for the US as it easily connects them with mainland China. While China views Taiwan as its rightful land which should not be independent. This is accelerated even more by the fact that Taiwan is a major semi-conductor exporter which increases its place as a strategic asset for whoever can have it.
The Middle East is as fragile as ever. With tensions between Israel and Hamas showing instability as multiple key players within the region all help one side beat the other. The Iranian demonstrations only help amplify the problem that the Middle East is not a stable region. In Yemen, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are engaging in proxy wars by arming opposing sides so they can extract the region's resources.
All around, the world is currently in a fragile and desperate state.
I strongly agree with what you have written in your comment because you have clearly explained how tensions around the world are related to each other, which is why this is something that is important for young people. Issues happening in Europe, in the Indo-Pacefic or the middle east do not remain in those areas I do believe that this is an important part of what young people should understand about our world, related to how tensions between power or other resources can affect our futures. Of course, one could argue that issues related to young people such as education or climate change might be more pressing.
Hello, conscientious_meaning .
I totally disagree with you since the interest of young people in wars and the world tension can lead to great disasters. It can cause Traumas, displacement, loss and mental health problems like depression and anxiety disorders. For example, when my father watches Hamas and Israel news and my brother (11 years old) watches with him, my brother becomes full of anxiety and fear to the extent he could not sleep.
I hope that the world tension and wars stop for the mentality of young people.
Hello, quickwitted_knowledge.
I believe you have misunderstood a crucial point asked by this topic. The question was not 'Which topic do you ENJOY learning about?'. It was 'What MATTERS most to young people?'. So, by listing your example (your eleven-year-old brother being anxious and afraid of the news), you directly proved my point. Yes, wars are horrible but saying that we shouldn't learn and understand them is exactly the sort of talk which results in echo chambers where only one opinion reigns supreme over all others. This means, that yes, wars are horrible but they do have an effect. Additionally, saying that you gain 'trauma' from simply hearing about war is a far-fetched assumption. In fact, I would argue it is extremely disrespectful to those who survived and endured through actual wars/traumatic events. Not shining a light on the 'bad sides' of history simple because of their nature means that horrific tragedies never get the spotlight they deserve.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. Please remember that the Hub is a place for considerate discussion and some students are writing with very different levels of experience and/or understanding. Make sure when you respond you remember there is a real human behind the comment!
I think news about climate change and environmental protection is the most important for young people because it directly affects our future, not just our present. Unlike many other news stories, climate change is not something we can ignore or "move on" from; it will shape the world we grow up in, work in and eventually pass on to the next generation. After all, what kind of planet will we inherit if nothing changes?
Young people will live with the consequences of today's decisions for decades. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, water shortages and the loss of wildlife will impact education, jobs, health and even where people can live. If we don't pay attention now, when will we? When young people see these issues in the news, it pushes them to question the system and demand better solutions.
This story matters because it gives young people a voice. Staying informed about climate issues is not just about knowing what is happening; it is about realizing that our choices matter. If the future belongs to us, shouldn't we have a say in protecting it?
I completely agree with your perspective because climate change is something that will directly affect all of our futures. I remember learning in school about how the oceans are getting warmer and how some animals are losing their habitats. At first, it felt overwhelming, but it also made me realize that even small actions, like recycling or reducing waste, can actually make a difference.
The news about climate change also helps young people understand that our voices matter. Seeing these issues reported makes me want to ask questions, learn more, and think about how I can help. It is scary to think about the consequences, but it also motivates me and other young people to take responsibility and push for better solutions so that the world we inherit is healthier and safer.
If anyone wants to add their perspective, I would love to hear some comments :).
Hello, inspirational_tsunami
I completely agree with you as climate change is not a simple problem that will be solved as the time passes. It isn't just about a storm or a haze. It affects every nanometer on the planet. As temperatures rise, glaciers melt contributing to significant sea level rise, which also affects polar bears. Can you imagine a world that has no animals around? Every creature plays an important role to keep the ecosystem balanced. But, unfortunately, climate change spoils this balance.
Young people care a lot for this issue because this will affect their future for decades if no bold actions are taken. As they spend a long time on social media, they know more about climate change and might even be more aware about this problem than adults because social media provides informations about the recent news and how to take action.
To conclude, I totally agree with your point of view that specially this issue matters most to young people. So, they shouldn't be ignored and it is their right to have a clear role.
In my opinion,and with what I've seen,I think the immigration and customs enforcement nowadays has been sparking a lot of young people to speak up. I think with gen z and teenagers they have always been with the concept of being free,which is why some teens feel the need to rebellion,too much forcing. Since the president was chosen,ice has taken lots of citizens. I think teenagers and young people have strong opinions over innocent people being taken just because they didn't have the money to go through the legal process. They think that some of these people,you don't know their stories. You don't know what they had to go though to get to the USA,which might be their dream. I think young people are a very empathetic, especially these generations. Subsequent incidents, including another shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis and allegations of excessive use of force (like pepper spray and non-lethal rounds), have kept tensions high,and lead to many protests being held. Chants,songs, awareness posts,spreading everyday; mostly young people spreading those awareness. Protests intensified after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis resident, Renee Nicole Good, on January 7, 2026—a shooting that sparked national outrage and protests against ICE tactics. around 4 million to 6 million people participated in large nationwide demonstrations across hundreds of cities and towns. That's how much people are aware. also important point is that I think,with TikTok being popular around our generation,many people state stuff that simply isn't true,that we have to check before believing.
I am in awe of your courage to speak on such a divisive topic. Sometimes, I wonder why it has to be so divisive you know? I feel like nowadays, our humanity is muddled and stifled by the thinking of "that's too political" or "that's too controversial". What do I mean by that? Well, there are many, many political topics and events that occurred in the U.S. recently that frighten me. Truly. Cornell University has been flagged by the UN for infringing on human rights, ICE are blocking roads (they took a life of one of my community members), and our check-and-balance system (the system I grew up learning about and entrusting to protect my rights) is being disregarded. I have been very disturbed and afraid for myself, my family, and the people around me.
However, I feel like I can't speak on it. I can't speak on it because there isn't a safe space for me to. For every 2 people I met, it seems as if 1 will disagree and fail to hear me. Or I get told that this is "too negative".
I also experience what you spoke of---the lack of empathy from adults. I do also agree that many young people nowadays are fueled by courage, by frustration, by fear, but also---by the firm belief that there is still good in this world. I believe young people are fighting so hard because we see the good within ourselves and in each other, and it is because of that that we refuse to let the bad reign free.
I also agree that social media does spread false information, which can be very harmful. But, I also like to add that social media is the most effective way to disseminate information for youth.
Good comment.
I agree because... it is not easy to make such a wondaful comment for some people
I think having a reliable community is most important to young people because it helps them feel much more comfortable expressing themselves regarding decisions that impact the nation as a whole. As a teenager living in today's political climate, it's easy to feel vulnerable to the government's actions and oftentimes feel like you aren't able to help because of your age, background, or origins. However, by engaging in thought-provoking discussions and expressing my concerns, I've met so many people who, like me, have contradicting opinions on how our administration is handling human rights. I've seen friends go out and engage in door-to-door campaigns. Seeing how these like-minded communities join together to help organize service activities and protests for awareness across the nation helps the youth know that it's possible to enact the change they want to see. It's crucial to have people you can rely on!
Hello!
I think that PERCEPTION is what actually matters the most to young people nowadays. During the previous years, I came to the realisation that teenagers and young adults are concerned more about how the society perceives THEM, rather than how THEY perceived it and themselves. They tend to focus excessively on their presence and its impression on others, which, inevitably creates a huge problem: they lose their sense of individualism. Young people oftentimes pretend to be others, mimick or even envy characteristics they don't posses, in hopes that once they do, they will be finally perceived in a different -better- way. A way that will make them more acceptable, yet less themselves.
This tendency, obviously intensified by social media, causes not only personal issues (insecurities, loss of Identity, lack of empathy and self-esteem) , but it can also affect the whole society -at least the future one. Instead of gaining inner strength and self-belief, young people delve on their "faults" and not on their growth. As a result, they can be easily manipulated and deprived of the authenticity that is needed for society's evolution. And this inevitably leads to a repeated circle : people do not evolve, since they give up on their individualistic characteristics, and, therefore, society's evolution is also hindered, due to the lack of capable leaders. If young people are not ready to face their inner conflicts in order to grow, how will they be ready to govern a society that requires the balance and originality they themselves (at times unknowingly) refuse to possess?
In our current society, it is reasonable to say that our futures are one of the most important things to youth. With the economy becoming harder to live in many adolescents are scavenging to make something of themselves in our modern world, making choices that will ultimately lead them to success.
However, jobs are not the only thing that control our future but instead also our elections. The 2020 presidential election according to the "Tufts center for information and research on civic learning and engagement" over 50% of voters were registered as young voters which would make an "11 point difference" since past 2016 election. Similarly, the "U.S Census Bureau" reports having one of the highest voter outcomes in the 21st century. This significant increase occurred largely due the fact that these presidential campaigns alluded to the youth during that time. Campaigns being run had to deal with debt help and school funding which would make getting adolescents into college much more easier. Those voting voted on the future of their education and the education of many others to come.
For many of us, we not only fight for our very own future but also that of those who may still be too young to fight for it. As youth, it is vital that we stay educated on our political climate so we can fight for what we believe we deserve. Without the fear of being unable to make liveable wage nor worrying if our schooling can be paid for.
I think that the war is the most important topic to us, because wars could be our future. Most wars affect other countries. And unfortunately nowadays the world feels unsafe to us. I definitely wonder what we can do about it.
I think the most important news story for young people right now is pollution , because it is affecting all our futures and will determine how the world evolves and how we keep on going with our lives .
Hi buzzing_yuzu! Can you tell us more about how you think pollution is affecting people's futures?
hi Elsa
talking about how pollution affect peoples feature,
INTRODUCTION
we have different types of pollution and the levels it can harm most especially young growing adult, this pollution is gotten from mostly human activities which are not health wise they include:
land pollution
water pollution
noise pollution
air pollution
HOW IT AFFECT PEOPLES FUTURES
_this can cause untimely death of young ones.
_destruction of eco system, it creates unhealthy environment for people around the would because the activities that promotes pollution are not eco friendly.
_for young ones, makes learning environment unconducive which can hinder educational excellence.
Hello buzzing_yuzu
I also agree with the fact that pollution is such a important topic as it will determine and shape our future world. Sometimes I consider the fact of what pollution might bring to our future, whether it could affect our health, enviroment, and on human life. While mordern development has lots of benifits, the negative impacts of pollution such as damage to human health and harm to future generations.
One of the most important news stories for young people today is climate change. This issue is crucial because it will strongly affect their future, including their health, jobs, and living conditions. Young people will have to live with the long-term consequences of decisions made today.
I agree. This is especially true with the rise of consumerism where wasting things is normalized (ex. not repeating outfits, overconsumption, etc). If we don't change something now, young people in the future may as well be living in a post apocalyptic-esque world. I believe every young person and child should learn about the effects of climate change and how their futures will be impacted. Right now, the use of AI, which uses gallons of clean water with each generated image or video is already a common occurrence in media and daily life for some people, which is crazy considering the current state of our environment. More awareness about the environment will influence people to actually care more and may even have an impact on our world. Rather than having what is the worst for our environment become normal, we should strive to help our planet.
I think politics is the most important for young people because international conflicts today impact societies, the economy, and social exchanges. Today’s young people are the adults of tomorrow, have been interested in it in order to participate in tomorrow’s civilian roles ( voting, election…)
I think the most important thing in the world is politics. Because more and more young people are taking an interest in political parties in order to participate in the civic roles (voting, elections) of tomorrow.
Young people are also interested in politics as a way to make their voices heard and express their ideas. Many young people are interested in politics as a means of fighting injustice (discrimination, social inequality, racism, sexism). Politics is great to change laws and attitudes. Taking an interest in politics helps young people to better understand the world, analyse information and become responsible and engaged citizens.
I think it is important for children to learn about the banning of social media for under 16's in the UK. It has already been done in Australia and I believe that the target demographic of this law should be aware of it and aware of its advantages and disadvantages of this ban. There has been a proliferation of news on this topic but many children are still unaware of it and how it will affect their everyday lives.
That's an interesting point, buzzing_reindeer! What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this ban?
Some advantages that this ban may have are due to the fact that the internet and social media in general gives instant gratification with things such as likes and comments from people you know, as well as strangers, and can make you have an unhealthy addiction to social media as you begin to rely on the praise of others. It creates a false persona of yourself and may force you to act in a certain way based on the way people will stereotype you from the way you look, the way you dress, etc. Additionally, it gives a feeling that people can say whatever they want to whoever, good or bad, due to the sense of anonymity they have online. Due to the incredibly large number of people on social media, individuals can feel validated in their beliefs or have them legitimised despite how harmful they may be. It helps individuals find a community of like-minded people, but as I said previously, they could use it to validate harmful views or the information they are spreading is from a non-reputable source. It can also lead to children who are not fully matured in their values and beliefs saying things that they do not truly know about that are harmful or negative in nature, but if or when they change their views in the future, there's always evidence of what they said which, could affect future prospects, whether it be school, further education or job opportunities.
On the other hand, this ban would negatively affect children as it would not give opportunities to learn social media safety and to learn social literacy skills. Children can learn about world events that may be changed or manipulated by their local government as they will be able to find both sides of an argument and know what is going on in the world. Adding on this, it is also an easy way to access instant information, which would help with studying and finding out more about the world in general, but these sources may not be subjected to the same burden of proof, scrutiny, or codes of practice that legitimate news sources have to comply with. It also enhances social connections as it can foster places to make friends as well as support networks, especially for marginalized children. Furthermore, it is a place to explore new interests and or hobbies, and it can be a creative outlet for some children, helping to boost confidence in themselves. However, these advantages do require some level of digital safety as these advantages quickly turn the disadvantages if seen or interacted with by the wrong person. Ultimately, as with lots of aspects of life, it is not all bad or all good and use in moderation may be key.
I believe that when used correctly, even though social media can easily spread false information, it can also spread good opinions and outlooks on tough topics such as politics. It can be a good resource if you don't believe everything you see online. When you come across something online, especially on social media, it is very important to fact-check. Social media can expose young teens to new commentary or new facts that maybe are not talked about on the news to make the important people 'look good'.
I think that when used correctly, social media can be a very important, valuble place for learning. As long as you make sure the things you are seeing is correct using reliable sources such as BBC news, or other reliable news companys.
Hello buzzing_reindeer,
I agree with you, and I think this topic is very important for young people to understand. Social media is a big part of our daily lives. It helps us talk to friends, share ideas, and feel connected. At the same time, using it too much can quietly affect our focus, sleep, and confidence, even if we do not notice it right away.
If social media is banned for under-16s without explanation, young people may feel confused or ignored. Rules alone do not teach lessons. However, when children are clearly told why social media can be harmful and how it influences our thoughts and habits, we begin to think more carefully about our own choices.
What matters most here is guidance, not just control. When adults help young people understand both the advantages and disadvantages of social media, they prepare us to use it responsibly. Learning balance at a young age is more valuable than simply being restricted, because it helps us grow into thoughtful and responsible users in the future.
one thing that is being talked about in school a lot and in the area where i live is the banning of social media for under 16s i think that this can be a very good thing and also a bad thing. as there is a lot of content on social media not made for children's eyes. but it can also be a bad thing because a lot of people can communicate on things like snap chat and that is what i actually do to talk to my friend in Australia and i might not be able to talk to him anymore.
i think the most important thing that is happening in the parliament is talking about banning social media for under 16 because people have friends on all the social media and it's still controversial.
In our opinion , the discussion about the possibility of banning social media for under 16's has a large impact in the younger community. In our class we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this topic.
One advantage is that this will prevent cyberbullying. Due to recent data in 2025, we have found that cyberbullying has reached record levels. This is due to the fact that anonymous accounts can be created and people can hide behind accounts.
However, as a class we believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Banning social media will have a negative effect on mental health as young people use it as a platform for creativity. Many young people use it as a safe space and it would be detrimental to remove this from all young people. Can you blame all young people for the actions of a minority?
Hi assured_watermelon, thank you for sharing your class's opinion. What is your personal opinion? Do you think social media is a safe space?
I think that problem-solving is more important for young people because it teaches us to remain calm and focused even if things do not go according to our wishes. Young people today face lots of changes: new technology, new and tough career options, and social influences, and thus only being able to retain information is not sufficient anymore. After learning about what other Topical Talkers had said, many of them said speaking is crucial for this topic. While I agree with this, I do think that problem-solving is more important as a starting point. If we are able to solve problems in confidence, then talking about our ideas and actions in speech becomes much more significant and effective.
I believe that news articles and media regarding the political situation, on a global standpoint, is the most important for young people. With so much in international conflict, it's important or young people to understand the circumstances that cause them and the potential consequences. Most of these consequences directly impact the average consumer/person much greater than they may initially think.
Also, by staying up-to-date with these news topics, they are less likely to be blind sighted by other media sources. They may feel more assured to know that something may not happen, or prepare for something that might.
I think that social media is the most important to young people nowadays because youth people nowadays are very affected by the news on social media whether they are true or false!
So from my own perspective, I think that it is the parents' fault that they let their children spend most of their time just scrolling aimlessly. In this time of their life, their habit starts to be built, their attitude and even their whole life. I don't say that they should not look at social media, no, they must, but in a limited and useful way.
I strongly believe that social media is a greaaaat tool that helps everyone around the globe to communicate and be connected. But unfortunately, it is not used in the correct way 😔. It should be used to post important news, educational videos, advices and creative and fresh solutions for environmental problems such as pollution or global warming. It can be even used for campaigns.
Actually, if it is used correctly, it will be an unbelievable experience for everyone even old people who don't care a lot for social media. Have you just ever asked yourself why older people think that social media is not that essential in life? Simply, because they look for a useful tool to help them grow and learn not something trivial like what's been shared on social media these days.
According to the data collectd from my reasearch, there are approximately 5.66 billion active social media user identities worldwide. This represents 63.9% to 69% of people on EARTH engaging with social media. If all of the users started the change,everything will be perfect.
Well argued point!
Hey topical talkers, okay I agree with your own opinion about conflicts and war happening. Also peer pressure is one of the things that can affect a child whether positively or negatively. Because 90% of childern have friends that influence them badly and which leads to bad character and disobedience to their parents. Thank you and I hopefully wait for your comments.
Hi @dependable_pigeon - interesting thoughts. Can you tell me about how you think peer pressure can affect children negatively?
I think what matters most to young people is trying to change the world and for we to also live in a better society. The country where I live today {Nigeria}, while travelling outside the state, your hearts will be on the air because we face the challange of insecurity, passengers and drivers will be afraid or thinking that they will not reach their destination safe. Many situations will come to upstruct your way like kidnapping, accident and many more. young people are striving to live in a better world and i think that is what matters most to them
I agree because... young people have to make this world better for all of us cause not every child in Nigeria have the opportunity i have in topical talk to at least comment even i who at least have the chance to be educated i have chosen to use this chance wisely hoping to win this year's topical talk and also make my working parents proud. and also allow my children get a better opportunity as i have.
I agree because topical talk has given me so many educational opportunities like confidence in speaking believing in your self.
I agree with you precious_parrot truth be told what I feel matters to young people in society is that they should have a sense of reason or purpose as to who it is that they'd truly need to be for the betterment of society, young minds are the start of everything it also falls on the adults because it all depends on what they fed them and how they perceive the world ,everything as quoted by Mary Shelley "monsters are not born, they are created. They do not emerge from emptiness or darkness of their own accord, but are shaped by circumstances, by the wounds of the world around them". it all falls back to what they were given and who it is that they turn out to be in the same hero's are made by circumstance ,what drives them to make a better world. So what should matter most to young people in the world is how they could change the world (make it better) ,and the only way they could do that is to take on the responsibility and put in the effort. as quoted by Shinichi Chiaki from the anime Nodame Cantabile. "You can't sit around envying other people's worlds. You have to go out and change your own."
What matters to me the most is the safety of me, my family and my friends or any one in England. We can’t thrive in what we do if we are not safe or anyone around us is not safe. Other young people will probably worry about family, the world or the environment that they live in .STAY SAFE
For me, I think that young people need to know about the story of AI's growth, how it became significantly effective, In very short period of time. I think gen Z should have a wider and deeper knowledge about AI. Not only about the growth but also how it affects employment. Now one of the very crucial and important thing about AI is it's impact on jobs that too it could helps in every sector because modern day AI's are giving more precise and perfect solutions. In a article from Times of India analysts stated that upto 25% of working hours could be automated by AI, Also UN said that "AI could impact 40% of the jobs worldwide. For me this information means like, Today people entering job market are likely to face some different employment environment than previous generation. Today new roles in company needs very new skills and broader knowledge in digital networking.
While I thought about that, my parents are plannig to get place in new courses for my UG degree based on AI saying " experts are stating that AI based jobs has high salary cap in future"
Finally I understood that AI is very important and essential for young people because it could affect education (their career choices), job oppurtunity, earning potential. By having good knowledge in AI field can make Gen Z to make smart decisions, stay alive in job market and can make AI useful rather than seeing it as an harm.
In conclusion there are many perspectives about AI, Studying about AI completely could make young people to use it wisely.
I disagree with you because if AI can be used in work, so I think that it is harmful in this case because companies would replace employees with AI, which would increase the rate of unemployment in a country.
What are the disadvantages of AI that I disagreed with you for?
Well, AI can be really harmful especially to young age because they use it without a limit. Also, they rely on it in education so they don't study and sometimes "cheat", which is not useful now as you said. Not only that but also employees can be replaced by AI so people won't be able to find new jobs, which wouldn't increase only the rate of unemployment but also poverty. I know that it saves time and effort but workers shouldn't leave their job and that's it, the company must provide another job for them that they are happy with.
Thanks for sharing, lovely_fruit. Are you suggesting that the disadvantages of using AI in the workplace outweigh potential advantages (e.g. boosting efficiency, as you say)? Might we be able to envision a future where AI can be used responsibly in the workplace to help employees do their jobs even better, rather than replacing them?
What matters to me the most is shelter family and safety for everyone I know and that everyone I know is healthy and safe .
I think stories related to the environment are the most important to young people, as they will impact our generation when we are older. If things are not done to try and help the environment, then permanent damage will be done to the world, harming habitats and wildlife. This makes learning about the environment and what can be done to help extremely important, or else it will be too late.
In my opinion young people care about social media nowdays. Most young people are on social media and some of them are less focused on school, and I think technology is getting too advance to the point it's bad for young people. AI is the most talked-about thing among young people. AI and social media are both addicting it can take their attention away. I think social media and AI is bad.
Can you tell me why you say "AI and social media are both addicting"?
People who grew up in a world without AI and Social media, were not affected that much because they already lived a lot without that addiction.
BUT STILL WHY ARE THEY ADDICTING??!
Obviously, I can relate this to our brain. At every interaction happening online, our brain start craving Dopamine which helps you scroll and continue chatting.
IS IT ONLY DOPAMINE?? OF COURSE NOT!
AI watches and studies what you like, so you like scrolling and never stop; think about it like that: you promise yourself that you are gonna watch one more reel online and voila the one after, is astonishing and you need to watch it and so on till you find yourself scrolling for hours instead of watching one video because simply it's "Endless"
Moreover, sometimes your brain fears that you might miss something important, trendy or even funny (yes sometimes you need time for your own happiness); that's called "Fear Of Missing Out".
In addition, maybe it's just because your brain needs entertainment, answers or even attention without searching a lot, just typing the question and receiving an answer. Trust me your brain loves easy rewards.
And like using some apps at specific times a day, adapts your brain (e.g. You use your mobile phone everyday, no exceptions at 1 & 2 & 3 o'clock; don't change the routine, and if so, your brain will figure something out, like reminding you about the assignment that was due the last 2 hours or even sillier things).
At the end, maybe it's not only us being addicted but OUR BRAIN PLAYS TRICKS TO SHOW SO!!
I think the internet is most important to young people because we have been exposed to it from childhood. Even now, internet is growing and evolving extremely fast, with it being used for everyday tasks like: education, news, communication, social media, etc. However as amazing as it is, it can still be extremely harmful and damaging to teenagers and what they are expected to do for society. For example, stigmas in society really effect people on a daily basis and the internet tends to feed onto the expectations of people and what they "should" and "shouldn't" do. Teenagers care about how they are perceived so seeing things on the internet can seriously effect how they view themselves and how they act which can later stem onto bigger issues - like depression. The constant expectations to "fit in" have gotten more and more prominent within the algorithm and with Gen Z being the ones who use social media most, they spread their desire of fitting in. This makes others conscious and essentially creating an endless loop of perpetuating expectations and social stigmas. Overall, social media can be damaging sometimes to younger people as they tend to pick up on behaviours just for the sake of being seen as "normal" and it effects teenagers more than people think.
I feel that as for things that are important to young ones are of course things like war future possibilities in technology and even global warming! I say this because the younger generations and even generations to come depend on these factors not just in one place but all around the globe.Though the younger generations might not even pay attention to topics like war and are probably more likely to watch things like the playoffs.
Hi diplomatic_rock - can you tell me more about why you think younger generations are more likely to watch playoffs?
I think would be more likely to watch the playoffs because in the modern era sports like basketball, football, soccer and more and gaining much more attraction! Not only for just entertainment sports are getting popular how much money athletes make and I bet this attracts the younger generation. To include its not like this is a boring job either excluding the money you get much attention brought to you. Overall I believe that sports could attract the younger generation in many ways that would make it possibly one of the most interesting things to younger populations.
Hello,
I live in Cairo, Egypt. Where I live, people are talking a lot about cars changing from benzene to electric cars.
Every morning when I go out, I see long lines of cars. Some of them make loud noises and blow grey smoke into the air. Sometimes my eyes hurt, and the air smells bad. When I imagine electric cars on the road instead, I imagine quiet streets, clearer skies, and air that feel easier to breathe.
This is not only happening in Egypt. In China, I saw in the news that many buses are electric, so cities are quieter and cleaner. In places like Norway, the UK, Germany, and the USA, people are also choosing electric cars more and more. It feels like many countries are walking in the same direction, even if they started from different places.
Some people say electric cars are too expensive and hard to charge. I thought that too at first. But then I remembered how phones were big and slow before, and now everyone has a smartphone. New things grow slowly, and then suddenly, they are everywhere. That made me think electric cars might be the same.
When fewer cars make smoke, the sky stays blue for longer. When the air is cleaner, people cough less and feel stronger. When less fuel is burned, the Earth does not heat up so fast. These small changes on the road can turn into big changes for our lives.
I think this matters to young people like me because we will be the ones walking these streets in the future. The kind of air we breathe tomorrow depends on the choices people make today.
i believe one of the most important things for the youth (13-19) of today ,including me, is standing up for our beliefs and our thoughts. As well i do also believe something that is very important to the youth is not becoming the image that the generations before us have set up for us to be. I think the youth has extreme potential and its is important to many people under 20 to set out and be more than originally expected from them.
Hi energetic_oboe - can you say more on what you mean by "originally expected" from people under 20?
I think that many people expect people under 20 to not accomplish as much as the generations before them because we are seen as lazy or we are seen as addicted to our phones which in my opinion doesn’t mean laziness it can mean that many people are just taking initiative through a digital way that is becoming more and more common but it’s still seen as strange and as not right to older generations.
I think that gender equality is most important for young people because this is a very significant topic that affects several regions around the world. Although this problem has witnessed major decrease throughout the past years, it still remains a suffocating nightmare for many youth.
Unfortunately, many places especially rural areas are still uneducated about how dangerous this topic is and how it seriously affects young people's mental health. Some people still believe in ancient customs and beliefs, while raising their children among stereotypical images that they must follow in order to please their community. A very inspiring example is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who chose not to be the victim of demanding traditions that she was obligated to follow as a young girl. Instead, she chose to let her voice be heard when no one could, as she for girls' rights in education.
I think this is most important for young people as they should learn how to fight stereotypes and traditions and become more educated about seizing equal rights for both genders in order to guarantee balance and sustainability throughout all aspects of life. Also, Malala Yousafzai's brave story acts as a symbol of peace and equality that could influence many youth out there.
Gender equality is definitely a major topic in an adolescents life, especially when some are raised in immigrant culture that has specific gender roles. As an example, hispanic culture tends to have the ideology of machismo. Where the men are typically inclined to be the bread winners of the family while the women stay at home and take care of the children. However, youth in this society refuse to abide by these roles as they aspire to be something more than just these specific titles. Women are now becoming doctors and men are learning how to take care of their children. In us fighting these traditions that make us seem small, we are pushing forward for a better future for ourselves and other generations.
Beyond family roles, youth also fight against gender inequality in the workplace. Many take to the street and write to our representatives about this injustice. Similarly, many worldwide initiatives are also occurring. Take for example, the organization "Girl Up" which is a part of a United Nations initiatives. In this program they are inspiring youth globally and offering a multitude of resources to fight against gender inequalities. It teaches many female youth that we are more than what society stereotypes us as, pushing each and every one of us to success.
I think that understanding the basics of economics is extremely important because financial decisions affect their lives sooner than most people realize. From earning a first paycheck, to choosing how to spend, save or invest can really shape habits that can last a lifetime! Learning the basics of budgeting, how to save, and manage expenses like transportation, food, or rent as a young adult can really help young people to avoid unnecessary debt, to make smarter choices and often, reduce the financial stress that often comes due to monetary discrepancies. It can also teach them to prioritize between their wants and their needs, which can become really important as their personal responsibilities frow and life gets more complicated.
But financial literacy also means understanding how bigger forces can really affect someone's personal finances. Government policies, inflation, interest rate changes, and even just macro-economic news can really influence borrowing costs, job opportunities, and the future value of one's savings. But, when people better understand these factors, they are better prepared to make smart decisions, whether it be to decide when it is best to buy a car, begin investing or to start saving for emergencies. Knowing how personal choices can intertwine with larger economic trends makes it possible to plan ahead, avoid surprises and stay in control, rather than spiraling, even when the economy is unpredictable.
What's clickbait for one demographic can be an immediate scroll for another. I think that for young people, ages about 12 to 20, what's most important to them is news circulating about youth demanding fairness and respect. In the current highly polarized political climate of America, where many divisions seem to be a tug of war between traditional, conservative vs newer, progressive ideology- young people remain fascinated and engaged in content that features someone opposing corrupt systems, whether through highlighting hypocrisy and injustice or through directly participating in resistance efforts.
The posts shared the most on social media between young people is when it features someone, who could have gone to the same school as them, having the courage to do what most can only dream of. Everyone can envision change, can think of all the steps it would take to make it happen. But most of us stay silent. These eye-catchers could be a college junior participating in a school walkout, a 15 year old attending a council hall meeting to publicly berate their officials, or even an anonymous student standing up to their administration to oppose discriminatory practices. There is a reason why many of us, whether they agree or disagree with her philosophy, admire Greta Thunberg or the remember the kids who made the Flint Water Crisis videos. When another young person refuses to buckle and compromise on their morals, our generation immediately takes notice.
This is really interesting @emotional_outcome. Do you think this is more true today than in previous generations when they were young? Why?
What matters the most to young people depends from one country to another for example, in the past, Japan dreamt to qualify to the world cup but they did not manage to consequently, their president announced that programmers had to do a game that provides encouragement to young people. The game was talking about a man who manged to make Japan qualify to the World cup. What mattered to young people is that time was to qualify the World cup. Infact, This game made a gold generation that manged to qualify from 1994 to 2026. They trained and the game encouraged them.
I strongly believe that mental health is a global major issue; young people need support, safety, kindness, self-acceptance and health. “To Be Safe" was the most common priority among 10-24 years old in a large survey. (UCLA)
Around the globe, 60% of young people has reported that they are feeling overwhelmed. Specifically, GEN Z was deeply engaged in this global issue. (UNICEF)
Many kids (especially teens) has reported that they have anxiety, depression, and stress; only few know were to go for help.
One in seven people are suffering from mental disorder, aged 10-19, which shows 15% of this age group. The health of adolescents today is essential for their future and the upcoming generation worldwide. (World health organization)
Loneliness is draining, as 61% saying it takes somewhat of a toll and 35% are reporting that this affects their daily lives. (Axios)
A MESSAGE THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED!!
Young people today are increasingly aware of emotional challenges, and are actively willing to seek help and support from schools, health systems and society.
Their mental health affects their relationships, performance, academic success and their future.
YOUR help and support CAN change the way any kid might FEELS towards ANXIETY & DEPRESSION.
I think that young people care most about other peoples opinions, and i think that is a problem.
Caring about what other people think can have a possitive effect until it starts changing you as an individual. Many young people care too much about if what they do is accepted by others or if they think it is "nerdy" or "not cool".
This mindset destroys individuality and creativity, and it is sad to see how common it is in todays society, and it is esspecialy horible how many influencial people force that mindset on their young fans.
Don't comform to that mindset, go against the grain, be yourself.
@Peaceful_tomato this is a really important issue. What are some ways that you think culture can change to be more accepting?
Sorry, for replying so late,
I think that the best change in culture would be if people didn't take social as an inspiration for their personality, because if you only watch what other people do and think it is the only way you are going to think that people who are different are doing something wrong.
It is impossible to change culture as a whole, but individuals can be changed, so I think its best that people just learn to have common sense and acaptance for others.
Hi, peaceful tomato!
I agree, here in Egypt, by entering any school or educational institute I would guarantee you that you will witness some bullying scene or a group of adolescents laughing and ridiculing one another, which I think is just horrible.
To be honest, I used to be a " people pleaser" myself as I just hated to be seen as a nerd who is just an easy victim of staring eyes and secretive laughs. I personally think that influencers shouldn't be called by that name unless their content really aims to influence people on doing the right thing. I believe that they just need more and more teens to follow on their viral trends just so they could gain more followers, more views, more money. Most of them are simply just using us while pretending to act like they are influencing people to the better, which is what some young people think.
Recently, Australia has implemented a new law that bans any young people under 16 years old from owning accounts on major platforms, which of course affected young people's mental health in Australia. They decided to be the first country to actually have a role on how users in that country are accessing the internet. In my personal point of view, I support this law and I wish more countries would do the same as I think it will help young people to be their own decision-makers, not just some trend- followers.
I think that for young people (14-18 years) the most important type of news are those ones which talk about polititians or also about wars or conflicts, because this affects right now a lot to us, but it will affect more in the future because many of the decisions we take now will be big problems then. So young people is scared of what they will need to go through when they grow up, I think that politic is really significant for them because like they are not able to vote right now, they depend on what other people make and this cause them a lot of curiosity. And about wars and conflict, I think that this is a really imortant not only for young people, but of course it make them to feel curious just because anyone want that the place where they live starts a conflict with any other country because this will not benefit them, it will only cause an enormous disaster that will make them go through a horrible situation inwhich anyone would like to be never.
This is my opinion, but I also now that for young people it's also important topics like AI, education, videogames and also those ones which talks about famous people and they say who is his/her new couple, how they live, what kind of things he or she do or if they made a bad act on public or a bad comment. This is also important for the because is a way in which they spend time learning things about someone they admire.
This is what I think about which types of news young people likes the most. I will be reading other opinons.
I believe that young people have difrent worries from the adults' ones. I'm not sure if teens or young people really matter about politics, the news or how the weather is in their cities. Moreover, from my point of view, as well as from my own sources and from people who I know, there are several topics which the youth worries the most about. For example, AI replacing jobs which could dissapear in the future is one of those topics. Most of the young people are trying to build a good future for themselves, and how would they feel if their dreamt job was replaced by robots, and as a result they needed to change their future, and work on something they didn't really wanted to and that they aren't passionate about, or even that makes them feel unhappy.
Another important theme is war. There is not a fixed number, but I could say that over 130 armed conflicts are going on right now. In my opinion, we don't give the importance we must give to every war, because it looks so far away, but it isn't. You will always find someone who has moved to your country in search of a better life, looking for a place where they can rest and be in peace with their surroundings. Young people want a better future for themselves, and wars destroy lifes, cities and even countries, which won't help a lot to achieve it. I know that it is nearly impossible to stop all wars, but we must work together to get some results.
Other topics, such as climate change, also influence young people's future, and that's why I think this themes are important for them. We must help future generations!
@Enchanted_camel interesting points. Can you share where you found the data for the statistic about 130 armed conflicts?
Of course. Those statistics I have written are mainly on internet. I have found them on several websites such as ICRT or Reliefweb. It is impressive the number of conflicts that are going on right now, and I hope that in the future a solution for all those problems would appear.
In my opinion, the new that is more important for youth people is the climate change and the high range of pollution found nowadays in our planet.I have aked other people closest to me nad they think the same because young people are going to live it and we need to stop the harm to environment to make sure that,in the future,we'll be able to live without pollution between us.
In addition,we need to encourage people to don't use materials that are harmful to the Earth and the living things are living on sea and land.We need to turn the point of view and look at us
In my opinion, young people of the present-day life want to learn about the world surrounding and be prepared and qualified to be independent. It´s true that the mayority of adolescents don´t care about news and only focus on their own world but as one grows up its interested in how life works as an adult. As a result, my asnwer is that young people may be interested in politics searching their own benefit and a political party to which they share common ideas. For that, at least in my country, there are a lot of debates and discussions of every aged people but a lot of youths of what political administration is doing better and which will have a better performance in tasks like manage taxes, set wages, seek equality and apply justice fairly, between others.
I think the job opportunities is more important for young people because of AI roughly 85 to 300 million job opportunities so the youngsters should be aware that what job would be available in future so they just need to edit their career path if they were on the wrong way as when they realise that there job can be replaced by AI so this is the important news which the youngsters should give attention in my point of view I would just modify my career to which my job opportunities increase, due to the entry of AI about 78,000 tech jobs has been replaced by AI that's why youngsters should be our of the job opportunities that cannot be replaced by AI
I am not too sure but for me and those close to me agree that conflicts and war happening around the world affect us young people very much. These conflicts can interfere with our future, taking away oppurtunities that we haven't even been able to receive yet. Many articles (my sources are from the BBC) show how governent spending has gone to defence. My sources show that the British government spending has increased from 2.3% to 2.5% by 2027. This money could have been invested into young peoples future but at the same time I understand the reason for spending money on defence due to the conflicts happening around us which poses a security alert toward some countries but if we didn't have conflicts at all this money would not be in my opinion wasted. Thank you very much and I look forward to seeing other peoples views.
I agree because stories helps to connect with peoples live, create sense of belonging and bring opportunities reason been that if young people don't listen to news they won't be able to know about the things happening around the them and I think that the most important news that young people should listen to is the one that will help shape their future, affect their daily life and reflect on their values because stories matter not just because they are happing now but because their impact are going to be felt for many decades or centuries to come.
what is affecting nigerians government is poverty, cultism, bribery and kidnapping. this year donald trump the US president sent missile to kill pagans and boko haram
Also what matters to young children is the way they make their decision and allowing bad influence to take over them. So lets and put it into practice and not go the wrong path . Thank you.
I am a student at my school Rhemaville Christian Academy, and I speak to you today to say that use as young people get to make some minor and major decisions, but do you know that your parents and teacher are there to guide you on your decisions and to show you the right one and the wrong one and that is because they have experience on how life is and they should never force things on you radar they should enlighten you on the use of that thing and how it can help your life and they should also support your passion and any time you face a difficult challenge you should seek guidance from them to know how to overcome it and to teach the younger generations on how to make the right decisions and you should always get ready for trials and tribulations because this world is not assured and you can make the wrong decisions.
Now let talk about minor decisions and how it can help us, minor decisions are those everyday decisions that happen with less deliberation, these are those decisions that do not need counselling and can be done by ourselves without help by anybody for example the cloth you want to wear for that day or the shoe you want to wear etc. it helps use because this little thing can make a big difference in our life.
Now let's talk about major decisions these are those serious decisions which needs much deliberation, those decisions need much counselling by you parents and teachers for example the institution you want to go to your course or what you want to study etc. major decisions impacts others, personal growth etc.
sorry my characters used finished I come to tell you that I hope you understand thank you and God bless you dependable_pigeon
I think that content creation and social media are one of the most popular topics for youg people. Today these are more than just fun and entertainment. It became a way of communication, creativity and type of a job. For example, Txunamy Ortiz is a 16 year-old girl from California and she earned 5 million followers in just 2 years. Youth think that she lives a dream life and most of them want that job in the future. I don't think it's like that because she and her parents need to do a lot of work and invest time for that job. Young people often follow a lot of celebrities and watch their lifes on social media. If the celebrity plays some game or uses something ''special'' such as brand clothes etc., many kids will ask for the same thing other day. They think it is something that they need and can't be cool if they don't have it. That's one reason why they follow and watch popular influencers and new stories about them. Also, may people use apps like TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, not just for fun but to share opinions, videos and communicate with others all around the world. I think it is a new way of showing our creativity, learning and exploring something new, but we need to be careful because many people today can use our private informations in a negative way.
technology and sport helps us in many ways. first, technology makes work easier and more faster but we need to minimizes the way we use it cause it affects us academically, social and emotionally. ways we can stop this is by using ones brain while doing home works simple that an educated students can do. we also need to mind what we watch like Ponography. sport improves health it makes use physically fit. for example some one having sickness is caused by staying a whole day watching social media. yes, social media apps help us know things happening around the world but some times people misuse them. it is better dedicating your time to sport and be physically fit than to watch social media and have fatigue. so in my own point of view i think we should reduces use of tech and embrace sporting activities.
POLITICALLY BASED ON THE ECONOMIC DIFFERENCE IN OUR COUNTRY TO AID YOUNG PEOPLE.
In respect to the situation of my country Nigeria, Illegal votes and malpractices during elections have increased highly, leading to the selection of a leader who finds it hard to fulfill or foster the million goals and dreams of young stars.
Alot of responsible individuals end up at times with unaccomplished goals and get their lives destroyed as a result of ruined dreams. I would advise such citizens not to depend on the government, especially when there's life, beneficials could be made without their help, in order to reduce unnecessary subsidy of our natural resources.
What distinguishes the young people from this matured leader is based on the ability to rule the country based on the situation of the world and not through their own perspectives. The young ones have more knowledge and experience based on the needs of the country at large, and when elected, can change the country better in terms of technology and political stability.
An individual of this generation well matured, wise and talented thinks better than those leaders who rule based on ancient historical fact or based on the adequacy of finances and these leaders end up implementing laws that ruin their bright future with other postulates of vices like corruption, degradation in countries development and hidden voices of the mass.
If advised, governance in politics should either be erased or efforts empowered to make a better change, in order to have the young people's dreams successfully accomplished.
I disagree because... the main cause of things happenning is lack of parental control and guide. children are meant to decide their occupation but no its our parents making decisions for us.
In my opinion, the most important news story for young people is about the powers and dangers of social media, when it's being misused. Young students live in a digital world where opinions are shared every minute, but many are not aware of the consequences that online actions have in real life. A recent news story from my country shows that a man was publicly accused in a viral video before the truth was verified and before any proper investigation could happen, the people after watching the video decided that he was guilty. This online shaming caused serious harm and led to a tragic outcome. This incident is very important for young people because it proves that social media has to ability to punish someone even before finding the truth. I agree that social media can help expose wrong doing but this case shows what happens when the judgement is done before verifying the truth. This matters the most to young people because they are the most active users of social media. Many believe that liking or commenting for a post is harmless but it can change someone's life forever. So when young people get news like this, it reminds them that every share, comment and opinion has real consequences beyond the screen.
I think that topic's like peace, technology, business and trends are one of most important news for young people.Peace because every young citizen wants to have normal life,without war and arguments.I think that in future when us now younger generation come to the situation where we could decide about our planet future or our country 's future,that we would pick most peaceful one,because we all want peace.Also,we want everything done in matter of seconds because we live "fast life" and I think that applies to the future.Technology is one of the most important topics to young people.We like to keep track of new phones, laptops,robots etc that are currently being programmed. Personally I keep track of it because I know that robots can help me and others in future.Thats why I want to have all information about it.Business because humans want to earn money not to lose it,so if we young people keep track of newest trends and changes in business world, later in future we could earn much more.That way we are educating ourselves and also helping next generation improve.In way that we are giving them good buisiness foundation.And last but not least,Trends and apps that we use are I believe closest to us.We all want to hear drama that is currently happening on Tik Tok or YouTube.That is why we give all our time into keeping track of newest drama or videos that are being uploaded daily.for example, girls would follow some new makeup trends,while boys could follow some car trends. Of course this is just few topics that young people keep track of,there is more topics to talk about.
I think Digital safety is a news story that is very important to young people. In a very well developed world Gen Z has access to a very large network digitally. media platforms like youtube, whatsapp, instagram, snapchat, tiktok are the most used apps daily.
We think that these platforms helps children to grow and learn, but I think these also 2X problems. From an article from Times of India I came to know that between 2022-2025 there was 605 cyberbullying cases worthing rupees 106 crore shockingly till now they could only recover about 2 crore that means only 2% . These shows us how hard is to recover what we have lost from cyberbullying. That too in my country it is very high. An survey from TOI found that about 85% of children in my country are being cyberbullied by someone this rate is higher than the global average. There are also many young people around the world hides the truth from parents.
Cyberbulling also affects mental health, affects that person's self esteem.
I think that social media can be great for updating yousrself daily, learning.... But young people are the first and main to get bullied.
So I personally think news about cyberbulling will helps Gen Z to understand and learn how to avoid and protect themselves.
I one hundred percent agree with this; we need to make sure that there are good resources in place to help with the mental health crisis and cyberbullying. And that the ones in place don't get cut. So digital, especially as we are expected to use technology more in our everyday lives.
I agree! While social media can be a fun place to unwind and have a good laugh that does not always mean it is a good place. Many people face beliefs that because they are behind a screen they can say whatever they would like, even if it hurts another persons feelings. One of the best ways to combat this would be to make guidelines on social media much more stricter. Many youths are being mobilized as social media becomes more and more of an issue. Take for example "Design It For Us" which is a youth led initaive that advocates for online safety. More specifically they focus on policy work so that major social media organizations are held accountable for have little to no guidelines or age restrictions. Come 2024, the organization was able to pass legislation named "Kids Online Safety Act" which calls for organizations to provide better safety tools for minors to prevent harms like addiction or depression.
My opinion on this debate is that I think that the main reason that young people are often excluded from debate is because of their lack of world experience. If we are able to give more experience to young people in the world they will be more educated to participate and have their opinions recognised by the communities who don't take their opinions.
So if young people who do want their voices and opinions heard, my opinion is that experience is very important.
I think there should be no countries that hurt or discriminate for LGBTQ+ people because more people should know about it and know that it's okay to like someone who is the same gender or feel like your somebody your not. I just want people to know it's okay to feel different from others and not to be afraid to feel how you want to feel. Everybody should be allowed to be able to express the way they feel themselves or for other people. Nobody should be hurt for doing nothing wrong you're just expressing how you feel for others. Love is love and you can't change that.
Ai is ithe one of the best thing for everyone,like if you take the men's who were going for jobs had to work were hard if Ai could actually help them it would be useful but in the same way that the same Ai could actually replace them.If we take the GenZ kids they could actually know every thing with in some seconds it is actually good but till the stage you know that your career wants to be Ai based .Also UN said that "AI could impact 40% of the jobs worldwide" your career,job and study is really dependent on Ai is something makes us fear what if the future world has been controlled by the Ai it is a horrible thing but I won't say that Ai must be destroyed but it must be in the limit
The news which is most important for my generation is probably smth that has to do w AI. AI will have a strong impact on our future jobs. With that, young people will have to adjust to whatever AI inevitably changes in the workplace or school. In addition to the impact of AI on jobs and education, we must also understand more about privacy and the increasing amount of fake news which, in the form of deepfakes is expected to become more widespread. Next generations will have to be even more tech savvy and spend more time on the internet to adapt to the new system. Thats just my opinion but the news in which someone is interested in will be pretty different.
I believe that what matters most to teenagers and worries them the most is the future. Due to the wars happening in so many parts of the world and the increasingly visible effects of climate change, our future is uncertain. We don´t know for sure what will happen tomorrow, let alone in ten years. The world, the society, and the economy are constantly changing, and it is difficult to say what our lives will be in a few years.
I think that today school grades matter most to young people. Sometimes students and children struggle for good marks and, in doing so, actually go to extremes. In my opinion, people sometimes care too much about school and not enough about their mental health. I like to have good grades, and I think that studying is very important for everyone 's future, but sometimes grades do not define a person, and people cannot find a balance between studying and physical activities, which can sometimes be much more important for our health. I think that when we find a good balance between studying and physical activities, we can become better and more disciplined individuals.
If I had to pick the most important news story for young people today, it would be the rise of Agentic AI and its impact on first-time jobs. While older generations often focus on the stock market or political shifts, for us, the real headline is about how we will start our careers. Recent reports from early 2026 show that nearly 66% of young people are worried that AI will reduce the number of entry-level roles available in the next few years.It's just scary to think that after all this hard work, we might be fighting for scraps against an algorithm. We aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet, but we’re the people who deserve a real chance in the future.
in my opinion, one of the most important news stories for young people today is climate change caused by pollution (fossil fuels), because most young people have heard of climate change, but don't actually know what causes it, and how to prevent it. Yeah, people know pollution damages our earth, but what type of pollution? How fast is this actually happening? Why is the pollution causing climate change? Most people don't have a clue how to prevent more damage from being done to our planet, therefore holding back our chances to change the future of more intense heatwaves, extreme weather (hotter summers, wetter winters, floods, storms), rising sea levels, and significant ecosystem disruption, with impacts worsening without drastic emission cuts, potentially leading to severe global economic damage!
What is climate change?
Climate change is the long term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Why is burning fossil fuels bad?
Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
what can WE do to help?
switch to renewable energy suppliers,unplug appliances,walk instead of driving,and choose Eco-friendly products, and so much more!
we as a society can do SO much to help fight against climate change! Every little helps :)
Money and popular clothing
I'm not entirely sure about this. Please can you explain why?
I think global warming is most important to young people because it ruins the world that they are supposed to live in
I think that the america terrifs affected people our age and their families the most for many reasons. This affects young people and their families by raising costs on everday thing and making many people get let off their jobs, making it harder for the youth to create a steady academic routine and get all the supplies they need to reach their full potential. Tariffs affect the cost of school supplies and daily needs, and with many people being let go, this makes a huge diffrence on how they reach their maximum potential and create a stable future for them and their family.
I agree with you smart snow, because tarrifs not just affect older people for bussiness, it also affects younger people. Why? Younger people will not have the chance to buy goods, that people could've got a few years ago, some items are electronics, clothing and footwear. Also it increases financial strain and anxiety which can affect mental health, to young teenagers who are trying to buy stuff they need for daily life activites. Young adults will also be affected because they will probably have a low paying job. According to Burreau of labor Statistics approximately 12.9M young adults are employed in low income jobs. This means that 12.9m young adults (18-24) were impacted by tarrifs, as they would not have enough money to pay for essiential goods because of tarrifs. In conclusion I think that tarrifs are very impactful and if people keep raising then a lot of people would need fiananical aid, and ruin the world econmy.
In our current world, one of the most significant pieces of current events that concerns teens and affects us personally is social media safety. Even though I don’t know many of you personally, I am 90% percent sure most of you guys have social media. Whether it's snapchat, tiktok, facebook, instagram etc, large lawsuits are being filed against social media sites, claiming that these sites are created to be addicting, particularly to teens. Infinite scrolling(as we call doom scrolling) and notification and liking buttons are not designed randomly; instead, they are designed with the intention of keeping us on the site for as long as possible, which can result in sites taking a toll on our mental health and our ability to focus and sleep.
These are some of the news stories that show how social media affects teens in regard to cyber-bullying, beauty standards, and the need for likes and followers in order to get some form of recognition. Because of these issues, governments, educational institutions, and parents are starting to demand that rules and standards concerning social media be implemented. This problem is important for teens because social media is so prevalent in our everyday lives.
According to my peers the most popular story has been the sudden influx of AI use has been the most significant topic recently. 26% of students aged 13-17 have used chatGPT (source britanica JAN 15TH) yet out of the 12 people I asked 100% of them have used AI for schoolwork, brainstorming, sources, etc. This AI craze has affected pretty much every student where for every project there's a great chance the student uses AI to kickstart or help their project. Most schools have now implemented a system for AI use where they intend to control the students' use of AI. AI has completely changed the school system as a good chunk of students can be tempted with AI use, AI could also help Kickstart pretty much any given project. Yet when students use AI what they don't know is that the AI information could be faulty as AI just looks on the internet then essentially summarizes the information, for example AI could take a angry tweet as a source.
I think the most important news story for young people today is climate change because it will affect us for our whole lives. The Earth is getting warmer, which causes more wildfires, floods, and big storms, and that can be scary and dangerous for people. It also hurts animals and their habitats, and some animals might even go extinct.
This is important for kids and teens because we are the ones who will grow up dealing with these problems. When we’re older, we’ll have to fix the damage if nothing is done now. Learning about climate change helps young people understand why things like recycling, saving energy, and protecting nature actually matter. It also shows why we should care about the choices governments and companies make, because those decisions can help or hurt the planet we’re going to live on in the future.
In the view of young people, many different components factor into what they actually pay attention to. It can simply be whether or not it trends on social media, or rather whether it affects their home countries. Of course, there are the pressing matters, like tariffs. Young people- tend to not pay as much attention to issues like tariffs, because it isn’t often a responsibility for teenagers to budget or watch prices. According to the American Psychological Association, less than 20% of teens read a magazine, newspaper, or book for pleasure, while 80% admit to using social media platforms for entertainment. This is evidence that news for teenagers travels through social media before reaching their eyes- or ears.
So, this begs the question: what is the most viral news story for teens right now? The top trending news stories on BBC vary, but the one that seems to be the most internet viable, is “Mr. Beast Defends Trapping Man in Burning Building for 500,000$”. Mr. Beast is an extremely famous youtuber with 462 million subscribers. As such, it’s a lot easier for stories like this to go viral because of their fame, and influence on social media. A scandal that reached teens, and was under heavy criticism but was forgotten quickly, and pushed under the rug. It’s news like this that goes viral because of fame or influence which is more exciting to teens.
In conclusion, while many are aware of the pressing matters, and agree they are important, teens simply don’t follow those stories as closely. As such, it’s not as important to them, rather another global issue that pops up.
Are you saying that stories which go viral matter the most to young people because of their virality? How do you feel about this? Is it a good or a bad thing?
In this current time, I think that freedom of choice is the most important for young people. Observing my fellow peers within my school as well as worldwide, I notice that many seek to be autonomous in their own unique ways. This can be the choice to drive, the choice of education, the choice of clothing, or the choice of identity. There is a demand for our youth's unique voices to be heard.
For instance, since the Covid-19 pandemic, I noticed a rapid increase in the usages of social media for advocacy. I remembered people used to keep politics and advocacy works on TVs, in articles, or on websites. Nowadays, you can see youth hundreds and thousands of miles away from you---advocating for things you usually would not question. For instance, I see youth groups organizing to donate baby formulas and childcare products to single mothers, I see youth fundraising for city clean-ups, and I see you sharing their own knowledge on the laws through animations.
There is a loud wanting to be seen, I feel. We all have so much to pitch in because we are the people who will face the consequences of these laws, policies, and turmoil. We're hopeful dreamers who also want to have a happy family or adulthood. And since many cannot legally vote, our voices are not usually represented. Therefore, the wanting to gain one's own independent thoughts goes far beyond the household. I believe we all want to be heard---to be truly heard and understood---right now.
I agree as well, because young people want to pursue their dreams, rather tan being given a dream by their parents, or other relatives or elders.
I believe the increasing pressure on being successful all the time is most important to the young because it affects our mental health more than we admit. Social media and online comparisons make success appear fast and effortless, when real growth is slow and uneven. Some Topical Talkers say the pressure motivates, and I understand that point of view. However, I disagree because too much pressure often leads to burnout instead of ambition. Youngsters need conversations about balance, failure, and self-worth-not only achievement-to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
Good comment. You have highlighted some excellent areas for youngsters to focus on and very pertinent in this day and age.
Yes this is a great statement independent_musician though success is something we all aspire for not all of us can have it .Here in Nigeria everyone is so straightforward about their life goals people try to do everything in their power to succeed, yes true most people have dreams and most people just dive into what gives the most money without any true passion and lean on to the pressure of being the success than the passion that will make a success.
I could also relate with the theory of pressure being a motivation but as said by independent_musician it is a burnout and you might already be cooked before the actual challenge starts, If you have passion and a drive for something truly being what you fell is alright then any thing you do will never be a burnout no matter how hard or heavy the pressure and we still have to recognise that nothing comes free Edward Elric from full metal alchemist said "A lesson without pain is meaningless" there has to be a reason as to why you do what you do failure is inevitable true but how you bounce back is all that matters. Hinata from Haikyu said "As long as you keep trying, there's always a chance of victory".
I agree with independent musician because like my fellow topical talker says sometimes too much pressure leads to burnouts. A news story I am really excited to share related to this is the rollout of no bag days in public or government schools. Every Saturday is about sports visual arts etc. This is good because the government is finally listening to the students who say exam marks are not the only way to success. even I thought that to be a perfect student you had to study every day to be successful but after reading independent musicians comment I also started to look from a different perspective. I think that if the news started to highlight "well being" stories like independent musicians it would help shift the pressure off students everywhere and make us more creative PROBLEM SOLVERS.
signing off: Fair minded elephant
This is a good point! I agree with you that social media sets very unrealistic standards for young people. Especially because as teens we already have many insecurities. There is definitely a rise in pressure to be successful which is not healthy for teenagers, but what do you think would happen if we did not face pressure at all? As you said earlier pressure motivates some people but not all, but I believe lots of pressure is also crucial to go far in life. Even though at the time, it may feel like pressure is the enemy and everything is riding on your one exam or that one race that you have to win, don't you think that, that crazy feeling is what makes those people perform there best and the get great results that take them places? If Usain Bolt didn't feel like he had to win, do you think that he would have became the fastest man alive?
Hi im from england
I think it is better on the internet
I Think that Climate change is a news which is important to young people, I think this problems impact's also results in our Education, Job, Health and most importantly our environment. The world had already warmed up to 1.2 degree Celcius before we started with our industry (from BBC). Also every year is breaking the previous world record of hottest year in the history. BBC also stated that Carbon di oxide's level also increased 50% after the industrial revolution.
Climate change brings problems like heatwaves, flood, wildfire, droughts.....these problems affect our food security, water availability, coastal safety.
I personally feel that it affects the education sector, Climate related problems such as extreme heat, flood, heavy rain and other natural calamities affects schools in many region(I personally faced in my region). Also I feel that countries contributing the least to global emmision also suffers a lot, including crop loss, water shortage and displacement.
Health complications are also there because of climate change, especially for Gen Z and future generations. Raising heat is causing heat stress, respiratory problem and heat stroke these problems would affect their quality of life.
In my perspective young people should step in decision making, On global climate problems youth can bring innovative and mordernized policies and spread public awareness.
These are very few reasons that I came to know and I personally felt there is lot more to discuss upon
Really good comment.
From my point of view, educational news is the most important news for young people. I believe that education news directly affects their lives and future. It doesn't affect only their grades, but also their dreams and future careers. Here is how:
1.When students know about schools and available courses, they start thinking clearly about what they want to be in the future.
2.Learning about education helps young people understand which jobs will be available in the future, so they can choose studies that match real opportunities, not just dreams.
Nowadays, we live in a world where youths are influenced mostly by trends and peer pressure.
Youths only feel worthy when they look or behave acceptable to the world,
According to statistics, over 75% of youths discussions and actions are based on trending world standards like celebrity talks e.t.c, they feel like their main aim is to impress the world or become popular.
They also make actions based on influence of content creators or strife hard to meet up to their expectations like wealth and they are ready to do anything for that.
However, this problem can be solved through mentorship programs and awareness campaigns to educate the youths on their actions and its possible effect.
What matters most to young people is;
1. Social media : Young people now ( the gen z ) they don't care if what ever they do on the social media platform is age appropriate but they watch or do what ever they do and some of them even practice them weather good or bad. I also blame the parents for not performing their duties like restricting them from opening some certain sites.
A nice point you made here, but I feel like a majority of the young people we have now sought for knowledge from these social media platforms. They use these platforms to learn skills that they could monetize and use to enhance their knowledge on various fields of professions. These platforms also serve as guides to people who probably can't afford to be taught physically by someone or to people who needs attention or guidance at that particular point in time. So they use these social media platforms that are readily available for them to gain the information they need about that thing.We can use a clear example which is Youtube. People go as far as hiring a tutor or some attend classes to understand that thing. But why go that far when you could ask for a tutorial on Youtube that could teach you that thing for little or no cost. In some cases, it might not be as effective as having a physical teacher, but at least you were able to gain some knowledge on that thing without any complications. Thank You.
lots of different things can do this like the internet or tictok
hello
young children have been exposed to many things but they are some issues that matters to them this include family issues in a child under the age of socialization families is always their first concern meaning that in a community where children face a lot of crises at home it can drive them away from their daily activities or even go as far as depression, anxiety and academic degradation.
I think that study pressure and excessive academic load are very crucial issues for youngsters because they affect the mental well-being of young mind's which pushes them into anxiety ,depression ,and loneliness. In this modern era, the parents of the youngsters often compare them with other people who are doing great. As some Topical Talkers say, it's a kind of appreciation, I respect their perspective,but I think that taking inspiration from others is totally different from bullying and comparing. Nowadays work stress is everywhere from doing overtime In Jobs to heavy study loads and exam pressures.So this will create a emotional impact .This news will really connect with the mental health of the students and it will ensure that youngsters become self confident and follow the quote"I am great to be me". According to me, pressures presses us down whereas inspiration innovates our ideas. For me, comparisons are like thorns of a flower which hurts the youngsters while inspiration is like blooming petals of the flower which takes time to Bloom but looks great in the end.
In my opinion, the most important news story that young people should be focusing on is the developing climate emergency. This has been in the news over the last few weeks but it will in many ways be more or less the backdrop for everything else that develops in the future. For this generation, it will be the number one driving concern that will dictate where they can live, what they can do for work, how can they live etc. It will become the central concern around which everything else will be based, which is why they should be paying attention to it. Moreover, young people in particular should focus on this news story because it combines severity of urgency with a sense of agency on their part. This is not a news story in which young people are merely passive observers who are commenting upon the unfolding of a plot. Young people are in many ways the center of this issue and the discussions regarding climate change, from international COP discussions to local political races. In many ways, all of it relates to intergenerational justice and whether current leaders have an obligation to those in the future. This issue is not going away and by paying attention to this news story, young people can become educated in this topic area. They can connect with the idea that a new civic identity is emerging for them, as people who will be affected directly by these decisions. This news story on climate change is uniquely about their tomorrow which is why it is important for them to pay attention to it.
In my opinion, family's teaching and discipline is what matters most to young people. Since we are born, parents taught us to be a person that is ready to face the uncertain obstacles in this world. Being able to follow parents advice such as being responsible, considerate and having self respect towards others will prepare us to grow in this fast changing environment. As a young teen, we will encounter many challenges in life. Thus, what we learn from our family is really important. Nowadays, lots of parents are busy with their activities which led to many children being neglected and lack of parent's attention. These kids turn out to be rebellious and don't have self confidence in their life. I strongly believe family's influence really matters in young teens.
I'm not sure about this because... Yes, parents can give us advice and train us on how to live, but not all parents give their kids good advice at times. Using an example that happens frequently in where I live in, let us say there is a poor family, and they barely have a home or anything to eat. The parents can advice their children to maybe rob someone or force them into child labour to make money, or they could even be the ones doing so. With situations like that, I understand temptations to do that as such may come, but you are the one who chooses whether to resist it or give in.
We should learn to differentiate the 'right option' from the 'only option'. So just to aid in your point, not every thing we learn from our parents or guardians are important, it is the good things we learn from them that are important, because young ones can get the wrong idea and just assume everything good or bad our parents or guardians tell us is automatically the right thing.
Thank you for that amazing point!
I think most kids in the United states around my age group have most interest in fashion and sports which is mostly like basketball and football those are major sports that have a lot of kids interest nowadays especially because they pay the most money. lots of kids have interest in entrepreneurship also
CRITICAL THINKING RAISES A GREAT VOICE IN THE PROBLEM SOLVINGS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
Do you know that the magical key to victory is here in our hands, and we can only get our goals and dreams achieved when we give it our full best as interest. Do you think that everything falls under Education? Yes, but all does not depend on education, especially in the aspect of health and Life. A healthy person can study and become well educated but not a dead body. No soul attains any form of education when lost, So I think more on how to imply education in all we do and not surrounding our lives to it.
Remember education raised the fund to AI and this was scientifically created by a human, so what then is left for us to make great changes out of our gifted talents. To me, education is the priveledge to better discoveries which are of undefined values. The are the hidden secrets to the acknowledgement of more knowledge, so everybody should have access to proper education to aid bring out the potentials of the young people. So the power and right to making good use of our young ones and their ideas is amidst us waiting for the wise to explore.
I think skills are most important to young people because young people of this generation are all about generating income and becoming famous across the world. Skills like dancing, singing, content creating etc., are quickly becoming the main work of this generations youth. Social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube are helping youths earn money in millions of dollars and its slowly influencing the career choice of the upcoming generation. Nowadays, people rely more on skills and talent than on education. Content creators like Brent Rivera, Mr. Beast and so many others and being looked up to as role models rather than people like Bills Gate, Steve Jobs and other successful and popular millennials of that time.
I think that conflict and war are causing issues around the world. Countries need to know that they shouldn't see each other as threats and should see climate change and pollution as bigger threats to not just one or a few countries but to the whole wide world.
War and conflict is stoppable but to stop climate change and pollution can only be stopped by all human beings
I agree because... many of the conflicts and wars occurring in the world today have a massive effect on young people. For instance, usually a lot of lives are lost during wars and about 20% to 50% of them are parents. So, their children are left alone to fend for themselves without any parental care or moral support, until help eventually comes. Also, in most cases that the abandoned children are unreachable, they are left totally alone. Then coming to the pollution aspect, I totally agree with you because pollution comes with a lot of diseases, and since young people are more tender than adults, they are more vulnerable to illnesses caused by it. My point here is if we try our best even just to settle issues among ourselves as teenagers, we can help the world settle conflicts tomorrow. A small step taken now, can make a huge difference tomorrow.
I think the housing nowadays is ver important to young people because rents are very high,so housing is not very affordable.
This is a great proble because mano people need to go to other cities of Spain for studing and the cannot because they hace not enough money to rent a house or only a room because they are also quite expensive.Young people which have childrens cannot para all the expenses involve and also the housing.People now becomes independent later because of this problem.This is in the entire Spain but also the cities with lower tourism have more accesible prices.So the most expensive cities are among others Madrid,Barcelona and Valencia.
I agree to this, and this point of yours serves as a call to the government of certain countries to wake up and render support to their citizens. Currently, a lot of countries are suffering from hardship because of the high economy of their countries. These are economies whereby the citizens are not up to match with it, but the government still leaves it in place forgetting that their job is to provide the needs of the citizens. We live in countries where the government embezzle money for their personal use instead of using it for the growth and development of the society at hand. So I feel like the government needs to make more efforts on meeting the needs of their citizens.
From my perspective, I believe a meaningful dialogue between parents and youths matters a lot. It may seem irrelevant but being there as a parent is highly significant to young people. Through regular check ins by parents, youths feel safe enough to air out what may be bothering them, be it physical, emotional or psychological. A lot of youths suffer emotional imbalance and presence as an adult gives them assurance to believe that everything will be fine. When we start to realize the value of parent-to-child dialogue, problems such as inferiority complex will drastically reduce as this is major problem they face due to emotional instability.
I am not, sure but I think that what matters most to young people is independence, because if you notice most when young people come of age, they decide to try to do everything by them self or more like be self-dependent and try to run from their parents' rules. For example, when a teenager tries to start going for party's alone but comes home late but it is natural because if you become too dependent that young person will not be able to survive. 'To be free is not merely to cast of one's chains but to live in a way that enhances and respect the freedom of others ' a quote from Nelson Mandela this show that in young people's fight to independence they should not hinder others or rebel against their parents
In my opinion, young people care the most about two things, social media, and their social status/friends. Young people think that if their social status goes down, they go down. People want friends in life to fit in, have people to spend time with, and be in some cases "the cool kids". Young people like and unlike myself, only care about having fun, instead of doing what they need to do, they do what they want to do first, and in my opinion, that is a terrible character trait.
Second, young people also care about social media. They think that social media is life, they compare themselves to somebody else, or try to accomplish "the TikTok lifestyle", the reason I say this is because only one app has taking recent generations by the neck, Tiktok. Young people try to accomplish a lifestyle that is all glamorous, happy, sunshine and rainbows, and successful. They compare themselves to other people and wear down their own mental health in the process, becoming bratty teenagers with a huge ego. Also, in today's cancel culture, some teenagers prioritize being famous, but not for the right reasons. Some young people are famous because their brats, menaces, criminals, or straight up weird, in many different ways.
If you are a young person, make sure to not put your whole life into social media or fitting in with "cool kids" make sure to focus on school and your future, bye!!!
Well based on my own perspective, I feel like young people are currently focusing on making their various dreams come true. And in this context, the term "DREAMS" are the various career paths young people wish to venture into in years to come. We as students see dreams as visions that helps us believe and work towards making our future appear how we picture it to be. Most of us have figure heads who we see as inspirations on the quest to being who we want to be. And to achieve our goals, we all need pioneers that would support us and give their advice on how they see the effectiveness of our choices on the world. Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing other people's perspectives on this.
Well, I agree with you and also disagree. As a young person myself, young people do care about achieving their dreams. But, they don't want their dreams to have a actual career. ( Well, some people do), but some young kids think only about the money, or the fame. I highly agree with your topic though. Have a good Day.
In my opinion, I think one of the most concerning matters we need to look into is our personal hygiene. As young people who are growing up to be adults one day, we need to start shaping ourselves now for who we are going to be tomorrow. I believe all of us here are ranging from 14 to 19 years, and this is the stage of life where puberty and adolescence kick in. We should be aware of the different kind of changes we experience as we grow, and this urges us to be very attentive to our cleanliness like, not wearing damp or dirty clothes, brushing our teeth twice a day, and so much more to dwell on. I think this is important because not paying attention to our hygiene can have serious consequences in our bodies, like getting infections and all. Just to add, when you are clean you will be able to reason more intelligently, and think more differently than others. Thank you.
Young people all have their views and opinions, especially given that we all live in different parts of the world with very different and diverse communities and ways of thinking, but the simple, unchangeable fact that we are children helps me justify this fact. You might be wondering what I mean by this! Where I am going with this is a bit abstract; let me explain. We are children; our minds are nurtured by the world around us. It is only true to say, which is why what I think should be most important to children and young minds is very simply what happens through the world.A simple example is the wars and peace issues we tend to face on our planet; to me at least, it is really disturbing, but optimism and hope for our current leaders helps me change that fear to courage and determination that a peaceful world is coming. It should be very important for children who have big potential as future world leaders to engage in the world! Know what is going on and build on it to see what you can do in the nearest future, in your own simple way. That is what makes us children: our brains for creativity and determination to do what is good. Not to talk too much though but I am enlightened that children should see the world around us and know it, even if it is without further action, it is only natural we do so. Thankyou for reading !!
I believe that conflicts affects young people because based on statistics, it shows that about 520 children have been affected by conflicts in one way or the other. I stand by this because, November of 2025, (being last year) many schools in my country Nigeria, was closed down due to the increasing rate of insecurity in the country. Due to this factor it lead to a halt in our academic work. This factor affected a lot of students in the country causing them to stay home for some time. Continuous conflicts can affect our well being as young individuals.
Hello,from my point of view, I think that the notices of the mental health might be the more important ones due to several reasons: 1. this can affect a whole community of people, especially the people arround them, becuase it can creates health problems (also) or even sucide in not affected people before 2. It can create a problem, contracting diseases like traumas or other health issues. Because all of these reasons that can be caused by social medias or some of the notices or videos that can appear us in internet, sometimes being 'fake histories' or hoaxes created by certain people to do damage or even to entretain people. This notices are very important, and some of the most recent cases in the world would be the group of polices, in the city of Barcelona, which kick and insult her women partner because of her maternity leave. This can be solve when people is young, with different exercises, that in my opinion they might be done in schools. This problems can be also solved by going the psychologist, this last reason cost more money than the exercises, which can also been done at home. As I said before the health mental care is one of the most importnat things These are the reasons why I think that are so importnat and the solution to the mental health care.
Well, I disagree with you with that statement. In my opinion, young people don't really care about their mental health. Yeah, their parents talk to them about it, but they don't really care. ( Coming from a young person). They don't consider addictions or wrong beliefs. Most of them just wanna have fun without looking at the cons. They don't want their fun weighed down to if it is good for their brain. The brain wants dopamine so they're happy, not serotonin so they're sad. Overall, most kids don't care about their mental health the most.
In my point, I will say preparing themselves to future no matter what , just to stay focused on a goal which really pushes them and brings out them from their comfort zone and builds confidence and the main thing is to handle younger stress like taking care of mental health at a younger age is very crucial as high seniors and adult young people
I support about preparing young people mentally , because, in India, many students suicide themselves for not getting good grades in boards and medical examination and this is due to stress and depression. Out of the box is such an skill that every gen z should have when it comes to examinations or future interviews or any life situations that makes you to think critically and most of the jobs which is present and gonna be created in the future needs these type of skills and controlling ourselves .
You say "many children suicide themselves", can you share where you found your evidence for this?
This specific evidences is based on local news channels and government data including coverages from statistics and repeated reports on governmental speeches and on academic stress.
I am a young teen, and even I have had friends who have been cyberbullied. My friends and I have directly experienced cyberbullying and dealt with it maturely by telling a trusted adult. Types of cyberbullying can be rude comments, excluding people from groupchats, or spreading rumors. According to the National Library of Medicine, around 95% of teens are connected to the internet, making them prone to being cyberbullied. Cyberbullying is such a big issue for teens because of how many teens it affects and the severity of its consequences. It causes teens to be depressed, have low self-esteem, and in very serious cases it can lead in suicide, taking away innocent people's lives. Cyberbullying is especially scary when it comes to people you know. If you think that this issue does not affect you because you are either off social media or you are grown, it very much can. Imagine one of your friends or one of your cousins is being cyberbullied. The chance that that will happen is very high. According to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) about 35- 50% of teens have experienced cyberbullying. Everyone needs to be aware of cyberbullying and the consequences especially for young teens like my peers and I.
Can you give me some examples of measures that can be put in place to prevent cyberbullying?
Of course, Eva! There are many ways that you can prevent cyberbullying. Often, it is not realistic to stay off the internet or social media completely, so here are a few ways we can stop cyberbullying while staying online and keeping connected with friends. You should never text back or engage in bullying because that can make it worse. Not engaging can make it less 'fun' for the people bullying you. Another safe way to deal with it (I have personally done this) is tell a trusted adult. When my friends and I told our parents and our teachers, the kids who were cyberbullying us did not want to face the consequences of their actions, so they stopped. Sometimes you do not know who is doing the bullying (ei, rude comments or DM's) on most platforms, you can add comment settings where certain words will get filtered out of the comments. As well as turning off comments altogether. As someone with friends and has been cyberbullied before, I hope everyone dealing with this can get the help they need. Hope this helps!
I think that Gen Z Protests is one of the most important stories to young people. In today's world, youth are one of the most relevant groups in all kinds of discussion yet are still very underrepresented. In places like Nepal, the government restricted social media, making it so that teens couldn't express themselves on social media. Adults often disregard our thoughts and opinions simply because they think we aren't mature enough to "understand" the real world. We aren't being listened to or aren't given the resources to pursue our dreams. As youth, we have fresher and different takes on certain issues that can be helpful and can do real change in the world. We don't get a chance to present it or to get the word out. This means that millions of innovative ideas are lost through ignorance. I believe that this will be detrimental to the world as we are literally the future leaders. We deserve a chance to let people know how we feel whether it's about climate change, politics, or art. These protests fight for our right to speak and is something I think the majority of youth will support. While I understand that it is hard to fully represent the entire youth population, I strongly think that by being included in relevant discussions, we can transform the world for the better.
How do you think that young people can be included in relevant discussions?
To effectively include youth in relevant discussions, there are many different ways we could accomplish this. Firstly, we should utilize social media in order to have meaningful discussion, much like this festival. It gives us a chance to engage in respectful debate and reasoning among other youth or adults. I believe that using social media is one of the more beneficial ways because it connects people from all around the world to discuss topics they care about. Youth feel more comfortable when we aren't put in front of many people so because of this, we are more likely to freely express ourselves. This cultivates essential life skills with confidence, critical thinking, communicating, and so much more. All of these traits is what builds future leaders. Without giving youth this social media platform (like in places like Nepal), we censor them and lose their original ideas.
I think the most important news story for young people is climate change and its effects on the future generations. This issue matters since young people will live with the consequences longer than any other generation. News about rising temperatures, extreme weather, and enviormental damages affects jobs, health, and where people can live.
I've lived in Vancouver all my life, and every winter has been so cold and joyful. I remember the winter morning basketball practices, the sledding on the hills, and the snowball fights with my sister. However, this winter, not a single flake of snow fell. I remember asking my parents if winter had arrived, even after december and christmas had passed. This season felt strange, cold; but not too cold.
Just like my winter in Vancouver came without snow, showing how weather is changing in ways I didn't expect, news about climate change is important for young people. It reminds us that the world is shifting, sometimes in small ways we don't noticed or don't care enough to do action. Caring about this topic helps us understand, adapt, and take action so we can protect the enviorment and the people we love! :)
Around the world there are many important topics and pressing issues. Whether they are big or small, they all still matter very much. I believe that the most important topics for youth to learn about are wars and conflicts around the world. An example in the war in Gaza. Since 2024 when the conflict began, the United Nations says that an estimated 10,000 young children and enfants have been killed, 132,000 children under the age of 5 are at risk of extreme malnutrition and about 17,000 to 20,000 children have been taken or separated from there families. Other people might ask why this more is more important then other wars such as the Russia-Ukraine war, but here's the thing. Well the Russia - Ukraine War is also terrible, less children have been killed or injured. The Russia- Ukraine war has been going on for 3 years and the organization, Save the Children says that 3,000 young children have been killed throughout the whole war. 3,000 is a large number but not as large as 10,000. Furthermore this means that each year of the war about 1,000 youth citizens were killed, where as in Gaza 10,000 children have already been killed and the war has been going on for just over 1 year! This means that if the Gaza war goes on for 3 years, 30,000 children would be killed after those three years! This number is way too high! More help needs to be given to those in Gaza and it is time that people start taking this issue more seriously! As young people ourselves, it is crucial to learn about these brutal issues worldwide because we can be the change that we wish to see!
How do you think young people can stay educated on current affairs?
I believe that young people can stay educated on current affairs by watching the news daily and reading newspapers. You can also often find educational shows about current affairs on Netflix or other streaming services.
My name is awesome_truth and I think it’s best for young kids to get all the love and education as possible so then there dreams will hopefully come true.
I think the matter of conflict, inequality and poverty is most important because there are too many people suffering the consequences of those actions. Yes, the future of all young people are at risk but if we don't think that these topics are important to everyone we may not be able to find a good solution that also affects the youth that will be the leaders after us. UNICEF have stated that, "In a world of plenty, too many children are suffering as poverty strips them of their rights and endangers their futures." The amount of young people in poverty is overwhelming, with around 412 million children and youth living in poverty surviving on less than £2.20 ($3) per day worldwide.
The civil war in Sudan which escalated throughout 2024 and 2025 has become one of the worlds most devastating humanitarian crisis. According to the World Bank (2025) countries affected have been seeing extreme poverty rising at more than twice the global average. The UN estimated that over 10,400 schools have been closed or destroyed. This single conflict, how can it not be important to youth? That could be what we might be facing in the near future with all these conflicts which could bring even larger destruction to us.
From my perspective, all news is important and affects youth as this will be our world and it will be our responsibility to take care of it and even from the actions of leaders today we can draw conclusions from their decisions and reflect on them. It'll be easier to overcome challenges and with the help of modern technology improving we can avoid previous mistakes.
Thank you!
I Believe that the most important news stories is growing fear of choosing the wrong life path. When the life & world gave many choices it ceates anxiety and stress. Students changing courses and delaying to make an important decision. Success Young leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and acheivers makes us to feel like there is only one correct path which have to be choosen at your early days, I feel this happens mostly in sports field. Some of my friends(Topical talkers) could say that, many options means more freedom and encourages our ambition, I could understand their perspective, but I disagree that too many options choices with constant comparison would always leads to fear rather than confidence, nowadays many people afraid to fail and get disappointed, disappoint their family, and affraid of wasting their time and parents money, these thoughts make them stuck and not letting them move forward. I feel that student should hear news like normalizing and accepting change, second chance. And choosing differently should not be seen as failure.
Can you say more on what you mean by normalising and accepting change?
For me, the most important things nowadays is conflict and war. In my country Indonesia, luckily there was no conflict but I was so concerned about the conflict and war that are happening right now. Altough most of us weren't involved, but we could feel the impact of the conflict and war. As a young generation, we must learn the negative effects of war and try our best to prevent it in the future. War and conflict could cause the death of many peoples and other things such as economic instabilities, etc. Countries has been fighting each other for their own interest without thinking of the consequences. In the middle east, countries has been fighting each other since the 1950s. The newest one there is the conflict in Gaza,Palestina. The situation there was very dire with houses and other facilities being destroyed and many civilian's death cause of the irresponsible act of the Israel's army. In Ukraine, the war hasn't stop since 2022. World War III could happen anytime right now with countries hating each other. I hope some kind of peace could be reached anytime soon. Thank you very much and I would like to be able see your opinion about this.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. Can you choose two parts of your comment that are fact, and two parts that are opinion? It's important to distinguish between the two.
Thank you for replying to my comment. Well, I did put some of my opinion in there.But, there are also facts there. First, when I said, "as a young generation, we must learn the negative impacts of war and try our best in to prevent it in the future" it's just my opinion. And, when I said, "world war III could happen anytime with countries hating each other" it's another of my opinion seeing the condition right now. For the facts, when I said, "in the middle east, countries have been fighting each other since the 1950s", it's a fact. The conflict started after the establishment of Israel in 1948. Especially after the Suez Criziz, Israel was further isolated from other Arab countries. And for the second fact is "In Ukraine, the war hasn't stop since 2022". It's a fact since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which started in 2022 hasn't stop till this day. I hope my comment didn't confuse you about my opinion and the facts.
Well done for distinguishing between them - thanks for clarifying!
I believe the most pressing issue in our current world is artificial intelligence. Most people do not actually realise the full power of artificial intelligence, and most people only think about it as a tool students use to cheat and a robot stealing jobs. However, artificial intelligence is much more than that, it is a tool to be used, and when done effectively, can produce outstanding results to the length that no one has ever seen before. However in the wrong hands and for the wrong purpose, artificial intelligence can become a tool of destruction and chaos. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into our everyday lives and is getting exponentially more immersed in the lives of humans. For example, artificial intelligence now is used in medicine to perform diagnostics and even surgery, which can go fatally wrong if done incorrectly. Much of the current world as we know it relies far more on artificial intelligence than most people realise, and unfortunately most people are beginning to base their own lives on it. Without humans working together and using our own mind that has evolved to be the strongest in nature, artificial intelligence is not taking over, however it is becoming a major problem. We have to remember that we control the intelligence, not the other way around, and every single human on the planet is smarter than an artificial intelligence, because that intelligence is not it's own, it is simply a collective thought pile based on other people's thoughts. We can start fighting this problem more than you think, and it all starts with learning about it.
Can you share what you think the future looks like for AI?
Normalising and accepting change means, changing the way the society, the family members & friends and media talks about life choices and success.
Normalising change means accepting that the change is normal, natural and healthy for young people to change their minds. Opting for a course, a career, or a sport at a very young age would not mean that it is lifelong. This must be seen or spoken as learned from experience, not as failure or weakness.
Accepting the change means that the growth is not linear or without obstacles. I think people would develop interests, skills and clarity in their field over time. I feel that, What young people feel as right at 16 or 18 may not fit at 22 or 25 and that is okay. Many successful people acheived big levels after changing their direction multiple times and that is normal, But these news stories are rarely highlighted in news.
By normalising the change, It would reduce the fear of disappointing parents, and wasting time. I think this encourages young people to see the second chance as an oppurtunity to grow rather than mistakes to regret.
Normalising and accepting change also means creating a supportive environments, it could be in schools, families, institution or in a community. Istead of pressuring young people to settle early, guidance must encourage their reflection, skill building and gradual decision making. If the society allows the young people to pause, reassess, and redirect themselves, young people would gain confidence to move forward. when change is accepted, people feels free to explore, learn, fail and try again....
I believe the most pressing issue in our current world is artificial intelligence. Most people do not actually realise the full power of artificial intelligence, and most people only think about it as a tool students use to cheat and a robot stealing jobs. However, artificial intelligence is much more than that, it is a tool to be used, and when done effectively, can produce outstanding results to the length that no one has ever seen before. However in the wrong hands and for the wrong purpose, artificial intelligence can become a tool of destruction and chaos. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into our everyday lives and is getting exponentially more immersed in the lives of humans. For example, artificial intelligence now is used in medicine to perform diagnostics and even surgery, which can go fatally wrong if done incorrectly. Much of the current world as we know it relies far more on artificial intelligence than most people realise, and unfortunately most people are beginning to base their own lives on it. Without humans working together and using our own mind that has evolved to be the strongest in nature, artificial intelligence is not taking over, however it is becoming a major problem. We have to remember that we control the intelligence, not the other way around, and every single human on the planet is smarter than an artificial intelligence, because that intelligence is not it's own, it is simply a collective thought pile based on other people's thoughts. We can start fighting this problem more than you think, and it all starts with learning about it.
Hi dear topical talkers I'm fair minded elephant from India and even though the news I'm going to share isn't that big of a topic being discussed in my society I felt the urge to share it with you guys. There is a really inspiring story happening right now, two students from Odisha (a state in India) Sneha deep and Mohit have made history this month by launching their own satellite CGUAST- 1 to rival NASA level tech using local materials yes, you heard it right local materials .This shows you don't need billions or trillions of dollars to contribute to science you just need some big ideas creativity and problem solving skills. I agree with my fellow topical talkers that the news focuses mainly on adults and the mistakes they make but after reading some of your posts. It made me think how amazing inspirational stories like theirs get buried under those national political headlines but I have to tell that after reading some interesting comments in the hub I realized that you don't need to be an old adult with a fancy degree and after seeing these two 21 year old legends I know that age does not limit your skills and talent. I hope this news was useful and motivational for you guys like it was for me. I think this news is motivational for us young people because it inspires and makes us work harder.
signing off: Fair Minded Elephant
I believe that climate change is a key issue that needs to be addressed. Many people carelessly toss the weight of the future on the next generation, and because of that, the 2010s-2020s are put under pressure to solve and perform. For example, this year in Vancouver, it didn't snow like it usually did! Rising temperatures are to blame, as the air won't be cold enough for the rain to freeze. Climate change is affecting our everyday lives, and the effects will be even more detrimental in the future if we don't address this soon. Though a small number of people believe that climate change can be viewed in a positive light, I respectfully disagree. Some examples of their argument would be local/short term benifits (colder areas will prosper as it'll become warmer, which could in turn yield better crops/agriculture), and increased plant growth due to the abundance of CO2. As I stated before, these benefits are good, but incredibly short term. We need to prioritize long-term development over short-term gains because this generation is our future, and if we don't take care of this world, it can't take care of us.
In my opinion, young people in this digital age should have the ability to interact and behave ethivally on social media. Through social media, we can connect with people from different cities and countries. Because of this, the way we speak and behave online is very important. Based on what i often see on social media, many people judge others too easily.
With good social skills, young people can use sosial media in many positive mays, such as building connections and gaining new knowlegde. Social media also provides a lot of information, although not all of this is realiable. Therefore, we need to be careful and be able to identify hoax news. Many irresponsible sources spread information that has not been confirmed to be true.
For example, I often search for daily exam materials on social media to complete my school notes. However, i do not rely on only one source. i make sure the information is accurate. Another example is when i looked for connections for social media platform by researching trusted agencies and checking their credibility.
Therefore, i believe that the ability to interact politely and behave ethically on social media is a very important skill for young people today.
The majority of young people think the future is something you need to perfectly plan for, pick a major, get a job, move out, build a life, and earn the stable income you want. But lately, it feels like the future for many young people is something they are afraid to mention or even think about.
Rising prices and increasing difficulty in finding jobs are constant topics in the news, and for many young people including myself, this creates a sense of uncertainty and stress.
That’s why I think the most important news for young people is the cost of living, especially housing. Students already face intense pressure from school whether preparing for tests, completing major assignments, or balancing academics with jobs. At the same time, there is a constant expectation to succeed quickly, get into a good university and immediately secure a well-paying job. When we repeatedly hear about economic instability, it becomes harder to believe these expectations are realistic.
Housing is the biggest example. Statistics Canada reported that rent prices still rose in 2025 (5.0% on average), and nationally, rents are up 28.5% since 2020, which is a massive jump in just a few years. For young people hoping to move out, attend university, or live independently, these increases make the future feel financially unreachable.
Addressing the cost of living, particularly housing, is essential not only for economic reasons but also for the mental well being of young people. Without meaningful change, fear will continue leaving an entire generation unsure of where they belong in it.
I'd definitely like to say politics and country relations. As much as I hate talking about it, it's an extremely important subject which determines the future of our planet and us. We are going to be adults soon, and I think we should discuss these topics sooner.
There's currently a conflict occurring at the border of Cambodia and Thailand, and aggression and hatred has risen to an all-time high. This affects me in a way, since I live at the heart of Cambodia. I haven't been directly hurt, but we have been boycotting products from Thailand. Now it's much harder to visit each other's countries, and as much as I'd like to re-visit Thailand in the future, it's much more difficult to do so.
I just gave an example on how politics and conflicts affected me, and I'm extremely sure that many other young people have experienced much worse. As others have said, this sort of news will find a way to affect us young people, by either improving or full on destroying our futures.
i think what matters most to young people is care and love if you treat your children with no care or love there life could change and they could become a bully or treat others like you treat your child if your mean but if you treat them with care and love they will act kind and copy you so if you do something good they might do it too so dont act bad in front of your children
Can you say why you say that children could "become a bully"?
In my opinion, I think that for young people (12-19 years) what matters the most, there are various themes like problems around the world and what is going next in their lives and satisfying your curiosity. From my own experiences, I can notice that during youth you are interested a lot in what surrounds you want to learn a lot about the world, the animals, people, the space, your future and mostly everything. Moreover, you learn about the problems around the world like possible wars, hunger problems the inequality, you start to think critically about our own actions and the ones from the rest its consequences like harming environments, polluting the world to name a few of them.
Furthermore, you also start to socialize with people making new friends, you begin to worry of your social abilities and also be embarrased of little details like stupid actions you could make in the past or also about people´s behaviour. In general your pesonality and way to act changes, also your physical appearence and you start to worry about this things.
Lastly, from own experiences I can say that you ask your self about your future what will happen to you and of the people that surround you... you want to know what you will work in or study, also if you have a family,pets or someone who cares about you.
I think people's opinion is most important to young people because all the things people might think of us or say to us shape our personality and change us. I have seen that people (including me) change their clothes, personality and favorite things just to try to fit in more and gain more "friends".
As we are younger, and in my opinion more fragile, peoples criticism affect us the most. In my case I have stayed days overthinking just because someone looked at me differently, and I think many people could agree with me.
I know the other comments talk about more serious topics, but I think this is also important because no matter what others think you should always be yourself, and if your so called "friends" are always messing with you or you don't feel comfortable around them i think you should try and search for better ones. The world is very big and i'm sure that there is someone out there who will accept you as you are. That's why I think social media is also quite important to us because you can find many people in there, although you have to be also careful because there is also bad people everywhere, and that's something we can't saddly change.
I think an important matter to young people today is digital content. Platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube are usually where the news about trends spread. Trends can influence what young people buy, how they dress, and even how they think. Because young people are often online, they are quick to know about the latest trends. Since young people are still growing and figuring out who they are, they are easily influenced. Digital content is not always positive, and consuming negative or harmful content can lead to bad habits or pressure them to fit in with trends. Thats why its important for younger people to be aware of the content they are watching and be selective of what trends they choose to follow. Thank you for reading my take on this topic. Im looking forward to seeing other peoples thoughts!
In my opinion and experience, the most important for young people is learning something new. Because it can be very useful to add your own knowledge. For example, I study social science. In my school, I study alot new about the story of how Indonesia is free from war since 1945. Indonesia has been into alot of war before the year 1945, because Indonesia is rich from natural resources and people are wanting to steal the natural resources from Indonesia. This makes me realize that all adding something new isn’t bad in fact it’s good for your own knowledge. And this is the reason why i think learning something new is really important for new teenagers or young people. Thank you!
I think what matters to most young people is , to make friendships with everybody and to be peaceful , I also believe that at a young age it is important to listen to every one no matter what they say . As knowing what it is like to go through many friendships I think that it is very important to stick with all of your friends , especially those that you have known for years and they will carry on for ages and to be peacemakers for ever more .
Personally, young people are divided in groups, and each group needs something different that matters:
Babies (0–3 years old): The most needed thing for them is their mother, whether they're hungry, want to feel safe, or just have fun with family. They start to move and explore like a default human, with family support.
Toddlers (3–5 years old): They can start school, and what matters most is learning to be social, make friends, and behave politely. That's why home-schooled kids may sometimes have anger issues.
Children (5–12 years old): Moving from kindergarten to elementary school can cause losing friends and memories. Comfort from family, keeping friends, and avoiding bullying are important, because bullying harms emotional health.
Teenagers (13–19 years old): Teens need to feel accepted. Friends help them feel confident. They care about school and discovering their strengths. They want freedom but still need family support and guidance. Feeling respected and listened to is important for them at this age.
To conclude, what matters to young people changes over time, but one thing never changes: family. Family has been by your side since birth your mother who carried you, your father who worked for your best life, and siblings who may seem annoying but are always there. Family is the strongest word for teamwork and love.
You say, "that's why some home schooled kids may have some anger issues". Is this a fact? Or are we jumping to conclusions?
It's not a 100% fact, it's just a guess, and also it was based on my experience, most kids that I knew that were home-schooled, always had anger issues, because they weren't socialised with other people and probably didn't have friends, also some home-schooled kids have social anxiety because it's just hard for them to communicate with unknown or strangers, and that is also another reason why they don't have friends, social anxiety. And that's it.
Bye👋🏻
For me, football matters the most to young people out there who want to try and become professional footballers for the future of their careers. Like Lamine Yamal, Rio Ngumoha, Kobbie Mainoo, Desire Doue, etc. We need more young footballers who want to become the best like Messi or Ronaldo or even Maradona, but some of them fail due to injuries, off-pitch behaviour, etc. Most of them go on to become good players if they keep up the discipline that they've worked hard for it. People in the older generation are already retiring due to not enjoying the game no more. Regens in this footballing world could be either the next Cristiano Ronaldo or the next Lionel Messi.
Thank you.
I think mental health is the most important news topic for young people now because it affects how we feel, think and learn to cope with everyday life. Many teenagers face pressure from school, exams, rumours or verbal abuse in social media, and expectations about the future. When we talk about mental health support, bullying or online safety, it helps young people feel less alone and shows that these problems are being taken seriously and there is a way to escape them. It also encourages schools and governments to provide better support for young people who are struggling.
Education is one of the most important things for young people because it shapes their future and open opportunities. It helps them develop critical thinking, confidence and the ability to make informed decisions. Through education, young people gain not only knowledge, but also values, skills and motivation to grow as individuals and contribute to society.
In what ways does education create more opportunities for young people?
In my view, what matters most to us, young people is having stability, understanding, and real opportunities for the future. Menual-well-being is especiually important, as modern pressures from education and society can be challenging.
Young people also value being heard and respected, particularly when decisions influence their lives. Ultimately, feeling supported and having a sense of direction are what help young people succeed.
I think pollution is most important to young people because it affects our health and our future. Pollution makes the air and water dirty and harms animals and plants. Young people care because they want a clean and safe world to live in when they grow up. For example in the capital of Bulgaria pollution has dramatically increased on December 1st in 2025 in the Poduene area. The mayor of Sofia is trying to fix the problem but is not doing well.
I reckon one of the greatest issues we face today is war and corruption among the world’s leaders. It’s really concerning to see an entire war being commercialised instead of leaders actually doing something to stop it. Most world leaders claim they want nothing but world peace, but their actions show otherwise. If they truly wanted peace, they would do everything possible to stop wars, not support them while taking no real action. It all comes down to greed and unfair decisions made by some leaders, who focus on their own interests instead of addressing more important issues facing our world today, such as global pollution.
I think phone addiction is one of the most important topics for young people today, because it is not a joke and it should not be ignored. Many of us don't realise that our phones are harming us and stealing our from our free time and that time can never be returned. We spend hours scrolling instead of studying, training or talking to real people. I think there should be more discussion about solving phone addiction in the news and in school, so young people can learn how to control it and live better lives.
What do you think about this topic, what do you think is the solution to this problem?
How do think people can work towards reducing this problem?
In my oppinion future security is a concern for both me and people in my surrounding. It isn't about getting rich and owning a mansion, it is about having financial stability, affordable housing, resilient career paths and having a safety net if things go wrong. I believe governments have a responsibility to provide more support in these areas especially to the younger generation.
How do you think the government can provide more support on career paths?
In my opinion, the most important to young people is techology. Nowadays young people use a lot techology and AI. The problem is that young people have phone addiction, they are on their phones all day and night. I think the solution of this problem is less watching the phone or other device of techology and trying hobbys like sports, art, listening to music, to hang out with their friends.
Can you share what you think the long term affect of a "phone addiction" might be?
Hello,
I think that AI isn't just a cool new technology, it's a force that will directly shape young people's futures. AI is already influencing how we learn, how we create, and even how we think. But while adults in power are designing and regulating these systems, it's our generation that will deal with the long-term effect of jobs and education. One major concern is how Ai could replace creative jobs that young people rely on to get started in their careers, like graphic designers,artists, writers. At the same time schools are struggling to figure out whether AI tool will help in the learning proces ot just make it easier to avoid real work. AI can also create news articles, social media posts, images, and videos in seconds. It increases misinformation and fake content, making it hard to tell what's real online. AI has potential to be an amazing tool, but only if it's developed responsibly.
Can you share some examples of how AI can increase misinformation and fake content?
I think the housing problem is a great problem to young people nowadays because prices are greatly high and people could not afford houses.Rents are also extremely high so people that need to go to other cities to study cannot rent any houses as they don't have many money and even to rent one room is very expensive.Even young people that have childrens cannot afford so many payments.People is Spain get independient years after than some years ago.This is a problem for the entire Spain but more turisted cities like Madrid,Barcelona,Valencia,etc have even more expensive prices.
in my opinion what matters most to young people is that climate in all parts of world are changing, this year in my city floods are happening frequently. The main cause of this climate changing are the greenhouse affect that causes CO2, methane, and water vapor trap inside. Also burning fossil fuels, livestock farming, and deforestation can cause heatwaves, wildfires, floods, storms, and droughts. As we know Indonesia has lost 10 million hectares due to palm plantations, because of this palm tree, sumatera is now expiriencing a great flood, palm trees is not for holding millions of waters because it has fibrous roots. The animals has lost its habitat, many people got injured from the logs they've been cutting. So in order to stop the climate changing people have to stop deforestation, planting more palm trees, and change the palm trees with trees that really grows in the forest. Thank you for reading
I know that this might sound a bit cliché or immature, but I think the most to young people is their social media. I know that people would want some bigger topics to be an answer since they look cool and also yes they all also make sense. I'm not saying that other opinions are wrong. Of course, other bigger topics like environment and pollution are important to young people too. But let's be honest. Is the majority of young people actually getting affected by those big worldwide problems right now? Are they really caring about those issues..? I don't think anyone can surely say yes to this. Again, I'm not saying that those are not important only because young people don't care, but what I'm saying is that are those big crucial worldwide problems actually perceived as that important issue by us or actually affecting to most of young people? I don't think so.
As 4th industrial revolution has begun, we, young people, started to live with a lot of these new technologies such as smart phones. Phones, especially social media had become a huge part of our daily lives. We are spending most of our free time browsing social media to watch short videos or text to people nowadays. This shows how important social media is to young people right now.
In addition, there was an issue that happened in Nepal as well. In September of 2025, there was a protest by Nepalese gen Z opposing to the new policy banning social media. It showed how important social media has become in our life. Once the social media was banned, young people got affected directly and even showed an act.
What do you think should be done about this? Is a ban the best way forward?
I would say that I think we do need some restriction to protect young people, but we shouldn't ban social media completely. I mean I do agree that social media has some bad impact to young people. However, I believe that social media has some good impact as well. It allows people to be able to communicate with people even if they are far away, allowing them to be able to communicate with their friends/family living far away(this was also the reason why a lot of Nepalian people got mad to the government's ban policy towards social media since a lot of Nepal people have family working abroad) and also have more various experience with various people especially to young people as they have really smaller space of their surroundings as they don't have access to go or do whatever they want since their society is usually only their family and school unless they have some special meetings or social media. It also gives us access to be able to hear some news that are happening in the world. If we completely ban social media, then all those benefits would disappear and harder to be achieved.
On the other hand, I also agree that we do need some restriction. It is true that a lot of young people are getting bad impact from social media. Although social media allowing us, young people to have larger access to information can be a good part, but actually this can be a bad part as well. Since we are allowed to access any information as we want. It often shows us some information/event/issues that aren't appropriate to us. And it even make us compare our life to others sometimes.
In my perspective, the young people are being negatively impacted by social media.They are increasingly facing health issues, cyberbullying and depression,So I believe this is one of the most critical issues facing the youth today.
Can you share where you found your evidence for this?
I think mental health is most important to young people it affects their daily lives, school and relationships. Nowadays, many young people experience stress, anxiety or depression due to daily problems that affect them a lot, and they just want more support from society, because they often face pressure to fit in.
Also, mental health is important for the future because the experiences and the support they receive now, can affect their well-being, opportunities and success as adults. So, if mental health problems are ignored, their potential, happiness and lives can be affected. The best way to change this is supporting young people, because it can help them to build confidence and skills to face challenges in a correct way.
Can you give some examples of how best to support young people?
The news that matters the most to young people is not about politics or celebrity fights, it's the news that understands what we go through everyday. One of the most important that need to be covered in youth's news is about "peer pressure". Although, this type of news may not usually be shown in headlines, it plays a very big role in shaping youth's daily life. Peer pressure can be found in numerous areas as youth compares themselves to others around them such as marks, popularity, confidence levels, etc. It comes when we start measuring ourselves against everyone else. Thats why news should also teach young people how to say 'no'. Saying no to unhealthy competitions, saying no to imitating others, saying no to become someone we are not just to fit in. Youth don't need news telling them what to do, they need news that helps them to be able to figure out their own choices. Another story that matters is news that normalises being different. Everyone learns at different speed, has a different carrer goal, has a different definition of what it means to be successful. When news only portrays one view of achievement, everyone else quietly feels left behind. Mesages like this are damaging youth's confidence levels far more than many people realize.
The right news helps young people trust themselves. We are often told to listen to others, but we are rarely encouraged to listen to ourselves. And that's why this news matters the most to young people.
i think something that matters for young people is their youth.
we don't realize it, but people (young adults or older) aspire to be like us. like your youthful look, with the clear and smooth face, full cheeks, and little to no wrinkles. or like our lifestyle, like how we don't need to pay taxes (yet), or how our schedule is still built by itself by going to school and meeting friends ever schoolday. youthfullness is what makes the identity of a young person, even if it wont last long.
young people like me can utter the words "when i'm older..." but rarely "right now, i.." . focusing on a greater future, especially on times like these is important, but i feel like we shouldnt always rely on "future us" if we still have the opportunity to do what's best for us now. we don't realize of our time left, and when we get older, we'll go back to our younger days and think "why didn't i do that sooner?".
I agree to that quite well because our youth is a treasure that is given once in a lifetime and we should make good use of that treasure while it lasts because it is not forever that is what i have to say thank you
I think the cost of living and money problems are really important for young people, because they affect our future, not just adults right now.
Some people think money is an adult problem, but I disagree. For example, I see my parents worrying about bills, food prices, or rent, and that stress comes into the house. When adults are stressed, young people feel it, too, even if no one says it out loud. Also, things like bus fares, school trips, and even snacks are getting more expensive, so we notice it in small ways every day.
I used to think money didn’t matter much to young people, but I’ve changed my mind. If living costs keep going up, it might be harder for us to go to college, move out, or get a job we actually enjoy. That can make the future feel a bit scary instead of exciting.
I think some solutions could be teaching young people more about money in school, like how to budget and save, and also help families with lower incomes so children don’t miss out on things. Governments and adults should listen to young people more because we are the ones who will live with these problems the longest.
So this isn’t just about money; it’s about fairness and opportunity. If young people don’t feel hopeful about their future, that can affect their mental health and motivation. That’s why I think this news topic really matters to us.
What do you think? Do you agree that money problems affect young people, or do you think another topic is more important? Why?
What age do you think children should start being taught about money at school?
I think it would be really helpful to start learning about money when they’re around 8 or 9, but a big problem is that money problems don’t stay as just money problems ; they cause other problems too. When kids don’t learn how money works early on, it can lead to stress, missed chances, and even affect how hopeful they feel about the future.
For example, if a child always spends money straight away, they might grow up thinking that planning isn’t important. Later in life, this can turn into money stress, like worrying about transport costs or not being able to afford opportunities such as college or activities they enjoy. That stress doesn’t just stay in your wallet ; it can affect mental health, confidence, and motivation.
Money problems can also link to relationships. When people are worried about money all the time, they can argue more at home or feel embarrassed asking for help. This shows that money isn’t just about numbers, but about how people feel and act.
A good solution is teaching money skills in school from a young age, using real-life examples like choosing between saving for something important or spending on something small now. This helps kids understand cause and effect, so they can avoid bigger problems later on.
If young people understand money early, they’re more likely to feel confident, motivated, and hopeful about their future. So this topic isn’t only about money ;it connects to mental health, fairness, and opportunities in life.
I think that our ongoing problem with pollution and the constant environmental destruction our goverments and developers do for the sake of infrastructure development impacts young people more than others think. To witness all this happen, seeing less fortunate people bare the consequences really hurts. In Indonesia, Sumatera, a massive flood happened in late Novermber last year, taking 1,200 lives, leaving 165,000 people that lost their homes to the flood, staying in a refugee camp. Our goverment has been doing deforestation in Sumatera, using the land to harvest palm trees and electricity generators, which led to this disaster. With the access of everything happening in the world using social media, seeing disasters mainly caused by the goverments actions, which are supposed to be our protectors, the representatives of our country, happen everyday---It leads us young people to become desensitized, as if its just a normal thing to see---to become distrustful to our nations leaders. In reality, young people dont deserve to have to ponder about these issues, seeing people suffer, losing their loved ones, instead of just living our childhood, being silly with our friends, having the time of our lives---it becomes our past that hard to look back upon. Thank you for your time reading this, looking forward to interacting with you guys!
You make a really good point about becoming desensitised. There is a fine line between making people aware of what is going on, and desensitising people. Do you think there's an answer?
Thank you for this amazing question! In my opinion, these lines tend to blur. Negative news is always surfacing in social media, but we dont see much on the positive side, don't we? Only being fed by negative news can make it the "normal" type of news you would expect nowadays. And it seems that us younger generation is coping by making memes about these bad things, brushing it off---which is not a good sign because these are actual incidents that affected people badly. It's almost as if news channels are only giving us negative news to feed on because its what gets the most traction these days, but things don't have to be this way. The way we frame these news also has to be respectful to the ones that are affected---I'm talking about recent ICE raids in The U.S ofcourse... The ICE raids is one of the examples that desensitize people, we see bad things happen almost everyday. On the other side, even though sharing news like this is uncomfortable, this is all to raise awareness, people have to be aware of stuff like this happening so it does not get buried by false news---false history written by those in power, but soon, you would get accustomed to it and be desensitized. So no, theres no answer to this question, being desensitized is just a byproduct the large amounts of negative news we have access thanks to the internet.
I think the pressure to build a perfect life on social media is most important to young people because it quietly affects how we value ourselves.Truth sits quieter than you might guess - what looks like confidence online can actually be doubt wearing a mask. When applause comes in pings and numbers, it sneaks into your head without asking. A spotlight grows around moments others choose to share, not what really happens behind closed doors. I agree that it gives space to speak up matters more now than before. Being heard beats staying silent every time. Still, calling the whole thing safe ignores too much pain hidden beneath smooth surfaces. Drained by endless comparisons, confidence fades while individuality gets lost in the noise. When likes stop defining value, teens begin building inner strength that sticks. Growing up online means learning who you are - not who others say you should be.
How do you think we can combat these effects?
The things that matter most to kids my age are pretty simple when you think about it. Having good friends is probably number one because nobody wants to feel left out or sit alone at lunch. School is important too, but not just for grades, its where you see your friends and figure out what you're actually good at.
Do you think this is the only thing that matters to kids our age?
Well its 2026 and in this economy most kids worry about phones or any type of technology that helps them. Kids also gain a emotional connection with phones and tablets that cause them to have a emotional reaction which is crying whenever they get their phones of tablets taken so if you want to be literal that's really what most kids my age worry about.
What about you, do kids your age worry about phones or kids being alone?
this question is very tricky and needs a lot of thinking but here is my opinion I hope you find it helpful
young people can be categorized to some certain degree by age for what matter most to them.
let's say for young children ranging from 5 to 9 years maybe what matters most to them might be small toys and fluffy toy animals.
the other ranging from 10 to 13 might be technology gadgets because of what they see outside and exposure.
now maybe for 18 to adulthood maybe marriage, big business, jobs and bearing children.
I hope you find my point of view beneficial.
thanks topical talk.
Do you think that children are interested in categories outside your suggestions?
yes, I do I just gave an examplery. Yes children can be interested on thing outside this category maybe for what gives them joy, happiness, interest and other factors.
I think Mental Health is most important to young people because a lot of young people my age go through depression. As in the past year 1 in 5 teens experience major depression. Depression is a very common thing in the world, and a main cause of depression is cell phones. 50% of the population spends at least 4 hours or more on their phones everyday. To get rid of depression a bit is to get therapy which they help you control your emotions, and treat your mental health conditions. According to some news reports depression rates is that they are rising with over 13% of adults and teens going through it.
Can you share some other examples alongside therapy to benefit mental health?
Well yes I can. To benefit your mental health a lot of people most likely maintain strong connections with their peers. People could also work out daily, which working out daily helps a lot with people's mental health. Exercise improves mental health by releasing mood-boosting, reducing stress hormones, and increases energy which enhance moods, focus, resilience, and self-esteem.
I agree with you and would love to add a suggestion to young people who are depressed or sad. Even though we are in a world of technology, let us all leave our computers, enjoy nature and play sports, not computer games. Personally any time I am sad, I just go out and receive a calm talk from nature like the winds, or actually play a sport, this is why I suggest this as a therapy for young people that are depressed based on my own life experience when I am sad. I am open to listening your comment and also give as many suggestions as possible for the sake of people our age who are depressed.
I would also like to talk to those who may be depressed by other not technological factors, to also take the same process or have a friend who you can easily confide in about telling him/her your problems and the person encouraging you to get up and even stronger from your problem. THANK YOU
Hey Topical Talkers, I think what matters to young people these days is parental advice. Reasons being that is
1. To avoid temptation
2. To be a better person
3. And most importantly to avoid peer influence
Because the high rate of kidnapping is too much so parents advice their children to stay out of something that can put them into trouble. So I advice let us help young children who are in need of us help. Thank you
VISA APPROVAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DIFFERENT FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
A child should never be restricted from certain joy and rights, the more we socialize better with other countries the better we give room to learnings new things. Every country should try making approval of visa granted especially when there's a need for it. So many talented kids are stocked in less advanced countries, which is not of help to unleashing their potentials for excellence. So, all forms of security to eradicate the negative vices that has led to the certain disapprovals of some countries should be installed, in order to help our young ones grow better and have their dreams achieved. This would help develop the country and also the young people all over the world, because trying new things which are of no harm is very important for the survival of individuals. Our talent should not be obstructed because of the things of the world rather new rooms should be made available in other to find the positive impact of young ones in the life of our countries because many people tend to do excellently well when they try new things. So, I think visa approval should be made available for all individuals in a legal way, especially for those with valued reasons, in order to prevent the destruction of one's future dreams.
Hello guys it is me appreciative_expression and I will like to join these conversation that we are conversing on the topic " what matters most to young people, knowing that we all are young and will like to tell each other what matters most to us.
let me start by saying that we as youths are mostly interested in making our lives easy than working hard to get what we want. We all know that education is the only formal way for us to get successful in life, now in this generation my generation we will find youths that are meant to be in school will waste there lives on drugs and internet fraud , this are the most common ones in my country concerning youth. Another thing is AI , AI is meant to help our lives but now youths have relxed their brains because they rely on AI .
In my honest opinion, I feel that climate change is most important to young people as different weather conditions could have great impact on a child's growth and development; which would not allow such a young person to grow properly both mentally and socially.
Older generations often think that social media trends are useless. This is because when they were young they learned everything from books, newspapers, and the radio. In their time, information spread very slowly, and things did not change every day like they do now. Because of that, they think that it is unnecessary to keep up with the latest social media trends because it changes every day.
However for young people such as myself, social media trends are like a bridge that gives other people something to relate to us. When you want to make a new friend, you usually mention something that is trending on social media. This basically allows the other person to feel a connection with us because we are talking about a topic they know and recognize. For our generation, we aren't always hanging out with people who lives next door, so the internet is where we find people like us. By following these latest trends, we can find our own group of friends and stay connected to what is happening in the world today.
I believe that the most important thing in youth and adolescence is playing sports since all the young people have more energy in their bodies so that they can consume it in playing sports rather than using it in bad ways. Sports provide young people with teamwork, social skills, confidence, time management, physical health, fitness, leadership and friendship. Sports make young people with marvelous mentalities. Sports avoid young people from social media like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat and X. social media affect young people negatively. It can cause addiction, harm their health like bullying and harassment can cause depression and increase anxiety. Did you know that in Australia, social media accounts that were less than 16 years old were banned. This was a wonderful step in Australia that gave the young people in it their own chances to be better. Also, this ban protected young people from the monster, social media. Some people say that social media is the best but actually its cons are more than its pros. This great step also made the young people in Australia promote to the best versions in them.
Consequently, sport is a magnificent way for young people to be the best.
I personally think it is very important for young people to balance their wants and needs. As a young person myself, I understand young people naturally want to have fun but also to get good grades. Because of this, many young people prioritise what they believe will impact their future the most, but what many people don't realise is that not having fun might also negatively impact our lives. Think about it, If we pressure ourselves to keep learning in school and at home continuously, it can cause stress and possibly prevent us from having a happier childhood. Stress leads to impacting our mental health negatively which can also limit future opportunities. And if we choose to prioritise fun too much, it will impact our education which can also affect our future. So, if we choose to prioritise either of them it will always impact our future. This is why I think it is important for young people (including myself) to balance their wants and needs. Nonetheless, I think we should stop worrying and overthinking too much about the future and focus more on the present. Let me know what you guys think.
I think cellular devices are really big today in this generation because you can do almost everything on it
Can you give some examples of the things you can do on cellular devices?
I think cellular devices are really big today in this generation because you can do almost everything on the internet communicate with friends and sometimes and can build you social connection.
What matters to young people is , family. why? because instead of being on your phone, ipad or anything,but you actually need you family because, you don't know what could happen to them. And also staying with family can also make your phone not useful anymore,and can give you better mental health while being next with them.
Can you explain more about what you mean by phones not being useful whilst spending time with family?
What matters to most people is that they need their family with them because people around the world can feel very lonely and with out no one by your side its not the same you might need a partner in life by your side.
to me I love my family and they love me back which is really important to me but if you notice you will find out that some parents abandon their children for one reason or the other (financial instability, mental health issue, emotional immaturity etc.) and the parent treats the child badly for one reason or another(emotional pain, criticism, favoritism, desire to manage on their own etc.) and this may lead to the hatred of the children towards their parents and this might cause the child to go through the bad road because of the lack morals supposed to be tough by the parents. and if you notice some orphans make it in life for example Esther was an orphan but with good guidance, she became a queen and also Nelson Mandela was an orphan and so you can achieve greatness as long as you have love by your side thank you
I personally think that education in diverse cultures and languages is most important because what if someone dream is to travel the worldbut they would be completley clueless on the culture, or how to ack respectable in that culture, they will also have a harder time learning the language that they use. I also know the earlier they learn the more they can discover instead of getting out of school and traveling the world when you barely know anything about the diverse culture. so that's why I think that learning diverse culture/languages are important to young people.
I think that something that really matters to young people is cell phones. I think that cell phones matter so much to the youth is because they are able to meet new people and communicate better without being face-to-face. Cell phones also offer a sense of safety since the youth know that if they need help they could use their cell phones that's in their back pocket for help. Their phones also give them some sort of entertainment since they can watch TV, talk, and connect with people all around the world like I'm doing now. Its not just cell phones its electronic devices in general.
I believe that in our current world, although life seems easier than ever before, it's not that the problems faced by previous generations have disappeared but instead replaced. One issue that I'm sure many young people face today is stress about the future. According to cengagegroup.com, only 30% of college graduates actually found jobs, compared to the class of 2015 having a 90% employment rate after 3 years (statcan.gc.ca), showing the competition in the job market has grown by a significant amount. Although that percentage was for the last three years, according to insidehighered.com, the employment rate for 2015 graduates merely 6 months after graduation was 56%. The job market is only getting more competitive, and with the increase of college applications and emphasis on getting into a top university, young students are bound to be stressed and burnt out. Not only are the acceptance rate for schools like NYU and CIT at an all time low (36% for NYU in 2015 as opposed to a mere 9% in 2025-26 and 26.1% for CIT compared to 3% now), like I said earlier, jobs are increasingly hard to find. Because of this, students such as my peers and I feel there is just a surplus of expectations and criteria we need to fulfill in order to have a good future, and although this isn't a problem that has an obvious solution, or even a solution at all, I feel we need to cut back on academic pressure especially for younger students. I think just putting less emphasis on just academics and grades and focusing more on the wellbeing of students is already a step in the right direction.
In my opinion, what matters most to young people is mental health and wellness. This is mostly driven by intense pressures to thrive despite global uncertainties and the desire to be relevant in their daily lives. Also judging by most mental health problems in teens today, more than 40% of high school students reporting recurrent feelings of hopelessness. Which also dives deeper into the concept of the need to feel relevant with teens. Also contributing to the focus of money, meaning, and well being in young people.
I think cellphones are most important to young people like me because on cellphones you can talk to your friends, play games, and have fun also young people spend a lot of time on their cellphones and I've found out that the average screen time for kids between (13-17) is 7.5 hours to 9 hours of screen time.
Do you think there are any downsides to children spending so much time on their mobile phones?
Thank you for replying and yes i do think there are downsides to children spending so much time on their mobile phones. and over the years of me having my phone I've experienced an addiction which has made me lazy and much more I am currently trying to quit and spend more time with my family that's what I think are the downsides and the increase in cell phone addiction Impact their psychological and physiological health, I got this info at pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6449671/
I think Ai is very important to young people nowadays because a large majority of young people in the Uk for example, use Ai for mostly things like school and revision. According to my research, 8 in 10 young people use Ai for their school work just in the Uk. This for of technology is very popular now that it has developed so considerably in the past years and it has mainly been affecting younger groups of people like students, teenagers and young adults.
Some positive impacts Ai has are that it helps develop crucial cognitive thinking and problem solving skills. Furthermore, it saves up huge amounts of time and it can help with so many things from data analysis and research to editing and coding. This has been an enormous leap in technology and although it has its benefits, artificial intelligence also has numerous disadvantages.
These can include increased screen time and less human interaction, heavy reliance on technology, it also affects many young people's mental health and can induce things like anxiety and digital fatigues. Furthermore, their imagination and creativity depletes substantially as everything is being done by Ai with just a press of a button and some words.
These were just some examples but in conclusion, I think that artificial intelligence has had a massive impact on our younger generation in these years and it has transformed into something essential and indispensable for young people, becoming a part of their daily routines and lives.
Hi topical talkers, I believe that global warming is most important to young people. In this generation, climate change is no longer considered a theoretical risk but a major stressor on economies, public health, and energy security. The sea level rise is not gradual; the global sea level rise has nearly tripled since the early 20th century, increasing flood risk for coastal cities. Living through this generation will- and is scary, due to global warming, and the current events happening. Global warming is important to younger people due to the long-term consequences, and global warming right now will affect the younger generation. The CBC has said that 2026 will likely be the hottest year ever recorded. This year's average temperature will fall between 1.35 °C and 1.53 °C.
The issues of today will fall into the hands of the younger people, and our problems will be their consequences. As global warming keeps rising, the responsibility to repair the damages caused by the inaction of today is placed on the generations to come. Thank you a lot for this opportunity to share my opinion, and I am very excited to see other people's views!
Could you share the sources you used for this information?
Hi Molly, I can share the sources I used in my text!
I used information from reliable sources, such as: CBC.CA, Canada.ca > Environment and Climate Change Canada, earth.org, and ici.radio-canada.ca!
Overall, these sources provided me with trustworthy information and helped me get a deeper understanding of this topic.
Hi Molly, I can share the sources I used in my text!
I used information from reliable sources, such as: CBC.CA, Canada.ca > Environment and Climate Change Canada, earth.org, and ici.radio-canada.ca!
Overall, these sources provided me with trustworthy information and helped me get a deeper understanding of this topic.
I think the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on the future of work and personal identity is most important to young people because it has implications for their jobs, their income and even their friendships in a way that no other issue does. Where older generations have in some way struggled with the tradition to adulthood at the same time as the rise of technologies that have the potential to take over many of the jobs, we once performed ourselves, young people are struggling with what it means to enter a workforce with technology that is beginning to take over those jobs, it's hard to imagine a steady career for anyone. The implications of this are gigantic, they have a direct impact on their job search today and on their education. And on how they are starting to think about who they are and who they should be.
I've seen a bunch of people have a conversation about AI usage by kids for homework, and I agree with a lot of you. AI had been getting popular, and kids have been using AI, and had AI to think for themselves. This can impact many students' education, because they'll rely on AI way too much, and AI isn't perfect all the time. If kids rely on AI more than they already do now, you can only imagine what it would look like in the future!
Fellow students, esteemed writers.
As a young person myself, I find myself consuming a lot of media centered around AI and robotics.
I think headlines centered around AI and robots are important to young people as these innovations have come a long way since their discovery, and are continuing to advance as we learn more about them. This advance is relevant because this generation is the first to experience such an expanse of digital resources. For example, it is now possible to generate realistic writing and video media with just a prompt and a a click of a button. The possibilities of AI and robotics are endless, and hence endlessly relevant to young people.
In summary, AI and robotics are a relevant news story to young people because they create and generate a lot of media, allowing us as humans to grow and advance.
I think that one of the most significant and unknown issue affecting young people today is emotional pay of being globally aware in such young age. In this world developed, digitally connected world young people are constantly exposed to wars, Humanitarian crises, Climate disaster, Economic instability. I think being aware is praised a lot like strength but being aware of everything is a pschological weight, carrying world problems is rarely acknowledged.
Some Topilcal Talkers may argue that being highly awared builds empathy, responsibility and also builds them as informed citizens. I understand and respect this perspective that staying informed is essential. However, I strongly disagree that continuous exposure to global suffering, without adequate emotional support, is not healthy. I think it creates a sense of helplessness, guilt and emotional fatigue. Instead of empowering actions, the news can silently foster anxiety, stress and fear.
In recent times there is increase of stress, burnout, and mental health challenges among youth. Being globally aware means you need to process adult-level crises while young people ( Gen Z) are still growing emotionally, and building emotional resilience.
I think the media must recognize this invisible burden. Alongside reporting crises, It should offer context, hope, and a constructive pathway for engagements. Also global awareness should strenghten young people, not exhaust or mentally affect them.
Actually, I can't decide. People would think that international problems that affect our world, such as wars or polluting problems, would matter the most to young people. Otherwise, I hardly believe that young people only take care about themselves, about their environment, such as friends, videogames, sports and those kind of things. Not all people think like that, as there are teenagers that take care about the problems that I mentioned before.
I feel what matters most to young people is their future. Everyone wants to become something in the future like a doctor, pilot, air hostess and so on. But there will always be setbacks. When I say setbacks, I mean no money for school fees, inadequate learning system, insufficient supply of knowledge and also emotional setbacks.
Based on emotional setbacks, I will use my personal life as an example. I want do to so many things in the future but there is a lot of work load. Things are presently looking dark and my school is not making things funny.
I think the way around these setbacks is having older ones who will support and advice us. Lately, I felt like quitting but after a teacher of mine encouraged me, I felt life will only be hard if you make it that way. Having good support from peers is also vital because young people listen more from their peers. Thank you very much.
I think "The effect of AI on the Gen Z" is most important to young people. Currently, the AI is taking over a lot of important aspects of our lives, especially the career aspect. I personally feel that two things are capable of happening, either the AI replaces people in their work spaces or it replaces people who don't know how to use the AI in their fields. Even though the Gen Z are more capable of adapting to the new AI tech, there are still some areas whereby it just wouldn't work out. Some jobs rely on emotional intelligence or creativity e.g, customer service, therapists, teachers, nurses etc.
Although I believe that since we are still young and growing, we can avoid this. We could start by learning to work with the AI and not to go against it because, workers who know how to work with it have a less chance of being replaced. Another way we could try is by updating our education and training aspects. The government should imbibe a curriculum that contains digital skills, ethical methods of using the AI and maybe even real world problem solving, just to get them/us prepared for what is ahead of us.
In my own opinion i think that news stories that will be relevant to young people are stories of our present happenings like the wars, conflits, agreement, disagreements etc. I mean things that happen in their every day life and their environment. And reasons for this is so that they can try to give suggestions or opinions about solutions to those problems. In most cases this solutions will become handy in times to come (in the future) and will avoid this problems reoccuring and actually being a big deal to young people.
i think they can also be educated to grow and make effort to be a good future leader who is interested in the progress of their country. Our ountries nowadays are looking for some one who loves the people, are interested in their opinions and can find solutions to their problems.
I think that insecurity and chaotic atmospheres affect us as young people because these events put our futures at stake. If our present is destroyed, then I do not see any future for us. When we are in school, we would not be able to concentrate as our minds will be wandering to the safety of our loved ones since we know anyone can get hurt these days due to the severe insecurity. I suggest that these issues should be dealt with first to ensure smooth running of our lives. Some Nigerian universities go on strike due to the rising cases of killings and attacks. Last year, in Nigeria, some states had to close down their schools because of the incessant killings and academic work was cut short. In some countries, schools have not been opened for months and even years because of attacks. In my opinion, the government should try to apprehend the perpetrators of this great evil as it affects everyone, not the youth negatively.
It is me again appreciative_expression and I am her to list to out the top things things that are most important to young people and kindly reply if you are in support.
Friends
Family
Internet
Money
Fashion
I disagree because it depends on the type of person you are maybe that's most important to you and other people but certain people suffer and they don't even get friends family or any of these and they may enjoy other things.
I think what matters most to young people is well i think that what matters most to young people is the economic stability because for young people who just started living on their own and have minimal jobs do not live easy lives. Thanks for listening.
In my opinion there are three core matters that interest young people the most. (Many of these have already been stated by my fellow topical talkers)
Firstly we have, war and conflicts. Many of these terrible tornadoes of suffering can cause the misery and misfortune of many young people who still have their whole lives to live. A great example of this is the Israel attacks on Palestine, many (who could have just been born a year or two ago ) struggle to find shelter ever since this started all they way back in 1948. Additionally many of these conflicts can lead to phycological trauma and PTSD.
Second of all, the internet. Although not as important as war and conflict the internet is a place where many people can connect and share ideas like (unironically) topical talk or Facebook.
But also this can sometimes result to cyber bullying which can make you think poorly of yourself.
Finally we have climate change, the interesting part about this one is that this doesn't just effect humans it effects biological life as a whole.
Pollution Is a problem because it's not something that can be reversed easily in 2024 we peaked at 1.55 degrees Celsius that increased in heat if we keep up this pace we'll be up 100 degrees in a century. Many things can cause climate change mainly cars and factories releasing harmful gases but what is unknown that food pollution can also cause climate change as they also can release harmful gases
Those things are what matter to young people as they are things that mold our lives.
I used to think that when my phone or laptop broke the correct solution was buying one. I just went to the mall and bought the newest model however after a frustrating incident this summer, I changed my mind. My tab's charging port broke the official store offered me thousand rupees for a new replacement. instead of buying a new one I joined a free repair workshop class where a retired engineer helped me fix a 67 rupees part in the charger and in 20 minutes, I changed my mind on the news stories about the right to repair laws. it's not about saving money it's about breaking the cycle of filling our landfills with e waste. it made me realize being a smart consumer in 2026 isn't about owing the latest gadgets like the iPhone 17 its about having the right to maintain what we already own.
signing off: fair minded elephant
Personally, young people are divided in groups, and each group needs something different that matters:
Babies (0–3 years old): The most needed thing for them is their mother, whether they're hungry, want to feel safe, or just have fun with family. They start to move and explore like a default human, with family support.
Toddlers (3–5 years old): They can start school, and what matters most is learning to be social, make friends, and behave politely. Home-schooled kids may sometimes have anger issues.
Children (5–12 years old): Moving from kindergarten to elementary school can cause losing friends and memories. Comfort from family, keeping friends, and avoiding bullying are important, because bullying harms health.
Teenagers (13–19 years old): Teens need to feel accepted. Friends help them feel confident. They care about school and discovering their strengths. They want freedom but still need family support and guidance. Feeling respected and listened to is important.
To conclude: What matters to young people changes over time, but one thing never changes: family. Family has been by your side since birth—your mother who carried you, your father who worked for your best life, and siblings who may seem annoying but are always there. Family is the strongest word for teamwork and love.
Currently, I believe that the most important news story is climate change, whose warnings have been occurring over a century. Abnormal weather has destroyed cities and caused billions damage that wrecks various countries' economies. It also affects our daily lives as the increased natural disasters forcing many families to leave home and relocate to other unfamiliar areas. Additionally, extreme whether, for instance, drought and floods result in water and food security issues and spread of infectious diseases all over the world. This news story has already affected our young generation and our future. For example, wildfire now happens much more frequently and severely in BC of Canada, particularly, in interior and north territory. The wildfire was extremely destructive in 2024 (1,700 wildfires occurred and 1.08 millions hectares were burned). Children lost their home and schools in these wildfires and had to stay in temporary place without fresh food and water. Children who live the wildfire areas cannot even step out for a fresh breath, not mention that playing freely outside in the summer.
These extreme whether situations will lead to more severe whether and swallowed communities, schools, and farms, which are the fundamental living conditions for children. Moreover, it will cost a huge amount of money from the government to secure and rebuild homeland. Consequently, funding and focus on educational resources will be relatively reduced.
In conclusion, climate change will change our and next generation if we don't pay enough attention to it and act on it immediately.
Different topics can be important to different people based on the things that they find most important in their lives.
However, I know the thing that is the most precious to me is how other people think of me. This can really make people uncomfortable and overwhelmed in their daily lives especially if your becoming a teenager. It can disrupt you from your activities and play and can affect your learning and education at school. This can make each child feel mentally insecure about themselves and can even make the person not want to come to school.
When this happens it is important that an trusted adult can help the child build confidence in themselves and reassure them that they are not alone.
Now children have started to develop a very powerful force that can really hurt people’s feelings such as bullying , laughing at people or making mean looks. This is a serious matter that lots of parents are concerned about involving their children. It has to stop!
I think the most important thing for young people is being heard and taken seriously. When our opinion matter, we feel more confident and respected. This helps us express ourselves better, talk openly about our feelings, and care more about our future. if adults and society listen to young people, we can contribute positive ideas and help make better decisions for everyone.
I think social media's massive impact nowadays is most important to young people because social media is simply occupying young people's mentality and mindsets. Just think about it, day by day, or to be more exact, minute by minute, a significantly high rate of all teens and young people out there are just imitating everything they see on the internet, without caring to analyze whether these actions are ethical and good or not. But it should never be this way...
Handing over such a revolutionary and powerful weapon to young people without setting any rules for the way of usage or any sort of discipline in order to avoid any potential harms is indeed ... dangerous.
Social media's is becoming too over-powered. Basically, it is replacing parent- guide and emotional support for young people as they continue copying their favourite influencers or " role models" tending to seek comfort and joy through a tablet-shaped screen, an entrance to a chaotic digital world.
As this source of dopamine comforts them and makes them feel like they are not alone, it is slowly dragging them into becoming just some followers. Nowadays, most young people are just copying the latest and most viral trends without actually knowing if they like what they are doing or not. Most young people nowadays lack the skill of thinking of whether an action or a situation is classified as good or bad, which makes them unaware of the harms that are slowly accumulating as a result of irresponsibility and sensitivity.
Picture this scenario: A student looks at their exam schedule, and feels overwhelmed. There are too many tests and quizzes in just one week, the student decides to speak up to a teacher and suggests spreading the tests out more evenly and not just crammed in one week. But the respond that the student gets isn't motivation or the teacher agreeing to help, the respond that the student got was "stress is a part of life, you're just being dramatic"
What I am trying to say is, I think that being heard and taken seriously matters a lot to young people. I think being heard means our suggestions, our emotions, and our thoughts not getting dismissed. Young people are in a phase where they are trying to build confidence and learn how to express opinions. When they get ignored they're going to think that their voice doesn't matter, start doubting them selves, and they fear sharing opinions. When young people are listed to, they grow confident. When they are ignored, they grow silent. Being heard reminds young people that their voice, opinions, and thoughts have value, even when the answer is no.
I think getting to know more people and learning how to connect with others are some of the most important things in childhood and adolescence. With the rise of technology and social media, bonds with friends can feel less intimate, and there is less in person quality time, so forming these close bonds is even more important. Having friends that you grow up with and can talk to can seriously positively affect quality of life, and although people can change and grow apart, these friendships help shape people. Learning to connect with others is also something I consider extremely important. In the future, when young people inevitably grow farther and farther apart, they will need to welcome new people into their lives, and being able to do so will be incredibly beneficial. Something like signing up for sports, group classes, and participating in large group events can go a long way in terms of social skills.
Pollution and constant environmental destruction done by the goverment and developers for the sake of infrastructure development affects young people more than others think. Seeing green trees on the roads getting cut down to build highways---tall skyscrapers all around, with a sprinkle of potted plants for some green for our eyes to see---it's just tiring. Social media and the internet has become an irreplacable aspect of young peoples lives, because we have never lived without it. The internet grants us access to many things happening around the world, but not all good things come without an exception. In late November last year, a massive flood happened in Sumatera, Indonesia, taking 1,200 lives and leaving 165,000 people without homes (According to a BBC article as of January 2026), forced to live in refugee camps. It hurts to know even more that this is mostly caused by our goverment, cutting down forests recklessly to harvest palm trees and build electricity generators, even though it could have been managed better. It has become too normal to see negative things happening on the news, making us young people desensitized. Seeing children, the same age as us, having less unfortunate lives, bare the consequences done by our goverment. How come our protectors and representatives of our countrys making problems worse---how are we supposed to trust them in the future when we become adults, when we are already let down by them as children. Thank you, I look forward to seeing other opinions!
In my opinion, the most important news for youth in the current context is news about "Climate change and building a sustainable future". While news about AI or employment or education is necessary, I think that climate change news is directly related to the existence and security of youth.
From my view, it's more important for youth because today's youth will suffer the real consequences of the decisions that analysts in the world are making about the environment. Standing at this time, we have come to the conclusion that if decisions to reduce the use of Fossil fuels aryant taken today. Today's youth will face extreme food shortages, lack of oxygen, lack of habitable land in 2050-2080 and natural disaster.
Come to the reality, according to UNICEF, about 1 billion citizens and your in the world are extremely high risk due to the effects of climate changes. This will not only be harm for citizens but also great lose for countries.
According to the projections by IME if global temperatures increase by more than 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, Global economic output could fall by about 18% by 2050, which would severely reduce youth employment.
Therefore,,all Youth around the World must pay more attention to the climate related news and regularly keep up to date with the news and act.
Thank you💕
I believe the rising pressure of online comparison and social media influence is most important to young people because pressure builds without noise. Online images stack up, reshaping self-view piece by piece. A flood of attention metrics paints narrow paths to worth. Self-doubt sneaks in when highlights become benchmarks. Numbers guide dreams before they fully form. Quiet shifts turn views toward filtered realities. Worth gets tangled in visible proof. Future plans bend under invisible weight.
Looking back at what others wrote, some make good points about how online platforms let youth share thoughts more freely. Still, just because you can speak up everywhere does not mean it always helps. Pressure builds when everyone keeps measuring their lives against highlight reels. Learning to step away matters as much as knowing what to click. Thinking clearly about content changes the game - suddenly users decide where time goes, not an algorithm.
Equality and fairness issues within society is an extremely important theme within modern youth society. Most people within youth society today believe that society should have equality, regardless of gender, race, religion, affiliation, and other aspects, and that due to different situations within society, people are being discriminated against because of social media, media announcements, and personal situations.
‘Things like gender equality, racism, and gay rights and stuff matter because they have a big influence on other people’s lives, whether it’s through education and the workplace, or whether it’s through safety and respecting yourself and other people.’ Young people battle against unfair rules and traditions, as well as other individuals with reference to how they relate and treat each other. Therefore, being equal to the new generation is not being the same as others; it is being fair to all and providing equal opportunity for all. By standing up to discrimination and standing up to being fair, the new generation is trying to bring about a new world in which everyone is accepted, loved, and listened to.
Based of my own country for example: what matters most to young people in our generation is the situations going on in our country, whether the insecurity, economy or what our leaders are trying to do to solve the problems in our country matters a lot to young people, my school had to close a week early because of a security problem but we are back on track right now, this problems like conflict and insecurity can cause great worry to young people, and news of how our leaders trying to tackle problems can give hope to us and our peers and families
Hi, my name is Philosophical_fox and for me what matters most to young people is love. As a young person, i have studied my environment and noticed that a lot of young children need love. A lot of children at the orphanage grow up to become bad people because most of them feel like they were not loved or not good enough to be love that is why they were dumped there and 95% of research shows that most of the children in this world who do not feel love have constant mental breakdown and as we all know, that without a good mental health it is impossible to have a good and smooth education and education is life. So from now on, we should learn to show love to every one especially youths and young ones because we are the leaders or tomorrow.
I believe that building talents and special skills is the matter youths are most involved in, for example skills and talents like tailoring, baking, singing, dancing, content creating, and other vocational activities. Here in Nigeria as of 2025, social media (content creating) has been a primary source of income for many with over 38.7 million users, averaging to about 16.4% of the population, and the number of work related users climbing up to 65.2%.
I think that family is most important to young people. We have heard on several accounts that some people did risky acts like they started drinking,smoking,committed suicide or even killed someone because of what was going on in the family. I am going to speak on the two main things which cause this things happening to young adults. The first one i will say is lack of love, many young people feel that their is no love enough for them from the family this normally happens when parents pick favourites among the children or are not always there for them they feel like their is no care and they are very prone to either become victims of one negative behaviour or another.
Then secondly when the family have become their influencers of negative behaviours most times it is actually blamed on the parents. There are alot of case scenarios which i can not mention all of but examples are smoking, drinking, drug trafficking and so many more. i will stop here for know. Thanks.
Hi topical talkers! I am independent_tiger, and I have been hearing some little problems going around the world. I also think that every soldier needs a good prize for their strength to fight for their counties and states. I hope no more wars will happen in the world, and no more incidents either. Thank you everybody!
Hello topical talkers, hope you are doing great. I think it’s really important that young people get to give their opinions on global problems. Even though we are still at school, we have big ideas about how to fix things like poverty and pollution. Most of the time, adults are the ones making all the decisions, but since it’s our future, we should definitely have a say in what happens!
It's also important to hear stories about technology and how it’s changing school and jobs, because that’s what our lives will look like when we grow up. Sometimes the news focuses on things that only adults care about, but stories about our future feel much more relevant.
Personally, I think Social Media is a topic that matters for young people because recently, the UK Government is considering banning Social Media for Under 16s. Personally, it might be a good idea because nowadays, young people are using Social Media more often than never. However, if they actually bring the ban in, it'll bring a lot of controversy, just like the Roblox Chat Verifications.
I think news stories about how the younger generation is perceived matter a lot, because it can influence our attitude towards the world. For example, just today I saw an article talking about how the technology is causing kids to not know how to properly hold a pencil in their hand anymore or form a sentence longer than four words. But from my point of view, that is simply not true.
First of all, small children are in the process of learning how to write and draw. They need lots of practice until they can properly use a pen. People shouldn't say that they don't know how to do it anymore, since they'd never had a chance to learn it in the first place. I understand some believe they could've started studying earlier, but that's not their call to make.
Second of all, the ability to form long sentences cannot be blamed on too much screen time, when kids learn to speak from family members. Parents are supposed to teach their toddlers how to talk, but they also have to cook, clean and do the laundry, oftentimes after endless hours spent at their job. While they are doing all these chores, let's say the kids don't receive a phone. Maybe they get to play with a toy, as it would have most likely happened years ago. How is that going to help with their speech? Sure, it can boost creativity, but that's a whole different matter.
These kinds of articles have a pretty big impact on young people. Teenagers are most certainly going to feel attacked when receiving constant criticism for something they use every day, in this case a phone, even if it's not directly targeted at them.
Interesting perspective, astounding_orchard. Thank you for outlining the nuance of this and considering the topic from different perspectives.
In my opinion, the climate change is what matters most to young people, because our future may be affected by this situation, as it can influence our way of living, our resources and even our jobs . Although currently, I think we are not giving it the importance it deserves, and I am worried that this situation might become impossible to fix.
I think feeling ignored and alone is one of the most important issues for young people today because it slowly changes people. Words pile up, but none of them land. Feelings wait, but nothing answers back. It makes you feel like you don’t matter.
Sometimes I feel ignored by my best friend. She talks to other friends and I’m left alone, even though we used to always be together. It hurts, and it makes me feel like I’m disappearing.
A war is on the news, and it passes by like noise. People talk louder instead of listening better. When being left out feels normal, caring starts to fade. Then people stop trying to understand each other.
That affects everyone, because if young people stop caring, they might grow up angry or scared. Then they might make bad choices, or they might not help when someone really needs it. It’s like a tiny crack that turns into a big crack in the world.
What do you think ?
Do you feel ignored sometimes too?
Thank you for sharing your opinion and I am sorry that you feel like this. Please make sure you tell a teacher or parent/guardian about your feelings.
It's interesting that you have linked a personal issue with one that is much wider. Do you think individualism is the main cause for people not listening to each other or caring about global issues? Or are there other factors at play here too?
I don’t think individualism is the only cause, but I think it plays a part. When everyone is focused on themselves, it can feel like no one has time to really listen. For example, people might be scrolling on their phones or thinking about what to say next instead of actually hearing someone. That makes quiet feelings easier to miss.
I also think there are other factors, like stress and bad news being everywhere. When there’s always another crisis on the screen, people can feel overwhelmed and stop reacting properly. It’s not always because they don’t care ; sometimes it’s because caring feels tiring. That’s why small moments, like listening to a friend properly, matter so much. They remind people that feelings are real, not just background noise.
Thanks so much. I really appreciate you saying that. It means a lot to me, and I’ve already talked to someone about how I’m feeling. It helped, so thanks again for your kindness and for making me feel heard.
I think that climate change is most important to young people because we will be inheriting this beautiful planet. The forest fires that ravage our province every summer is something our parents never experienced. The weather is more unpredictable and natural disasters around the world more frequent. I feel like we need to have our voices heard and get our governments to implement bigger changes to pollution and emissions policies. I don't feel like enough is being done and our younger voices should be amplified over the older generations who don't have as much to lose in their lifetimes.
Given how AI impacts our daily lives, I think that it's one of the most crucial subjects for young people. When I first discovered AI, I assumed that it was a smart robot that could respond to questions or thoughts super quickly. However, as I've gotten older, I've started to realize that AI is developing further (as there was a article on it that I read on CBC) and will eventually change occupations for young people/our future generation, which is something that we will all have to deal with. AI can also have an impact on our online lives like on social media. These days, AI can find private information with a single click and trick you for your passwords (as I once experienced). I am pretty aware of all of these robot scammers since I spend a lot of time on social media, but occasionally, it becomes quite hard to tell what is genuine and what is fraud. The choices that people make today will definitely make an impact on young peoples' futures, as they will have to grow up with a world filled with AI.
Out of the many news stories in the world, my opinion the topic that is most important to youth is AI. The reason for this is because AI is going to affect everyone. Many articles I have read have suggested millions of jobs could be taken over by AI and I think for the youth this is a very big deal as it makes our future very unclear. Many dreams and aspirations we have could easily be no longer accessible as AI could take over that job. AI is evolving so quickly that it is impossible for me to even imagine a world 10 years from now. Many basic parts of my life has been affected and I believe this is a huge deal for the youth especially as our world will be full of AI. From having to prove something is written by a human and having something that use to take time and effort turn into something that is done in seconds is scary. Not to mention the mass amount of environmental damage and water AI uses to operate. While there are many other important issues in the world I believe that for the youth AI is one of the most important topics!
I believe news stories like pollution and climate change are important for young people, because if younger generations like us know more about pollution and climate change, and how it impact us and our environment, we will be more aware about our environment. After all, if climate change and pollution keeps getting worse, us future generations are the one who will have to bear the consequences. The impact of climate change and pollution are extreme weather events, earth's temperature increasing, ice glaciers that keep melting, air and water degradation, and biodiversity collapse. These are things that will happen in the future if we don't start taking counteractive measures.
So, what can we do as teens to prevent pollutions and climate change? Well, we can educate ourselves and our friends more about climate change and pollution. We can also help by doing small things, like turning off the lights, unplug electronics that we don't use, recycle trash that still can be used, and participate in community cleanups. These may look like it's not going to help much, but, if all young people want to educate themselves about climate change and pollution, then we future generations can make the world a better place to live.
Global issues like climate change, wars and public health crisis afect many countries and demand urgent action. However, an issue that matters deeply to young people is "access to quality education and equal opportunities". It may not look as dramatic as other world issues, but it quietly decides who moves forward and who's left behind. A student's future can alter based on the school one attends, the guidance one gets, or the resources one has access to. Evidence in various studies shows a predisposition towards students of well resourced schools to continue onto higher education while equally capable students without support fall by the wayside. In India, at present, coaching centres, stable internet, and good schooling still depend heavily on money and location. Thats the case around me too, some students learn early about scholarships, carrer options, and emerging fields like ai, and some learn these subjects way too late. This difference is due to lack of opportunities. So, while education inequality may not be the loudest global issue, it's one of the most decisive ones. It shapes who gets voice today and who is prepared to face the world's bigger challenges tomorrow.
Nowadays we have lots of news topics to discuss about as wars and conflicts which have an important impact in our world and we all are worried about them. However, we have to think that there are problems closer to us that we should regulate. Personally, I consider that technology is affecting so much young people. As everything in life, it has pros as it is an incredible tool for humans to communicate and get to new opportunities, but, unfortunately, it has lots of cons. They guide us to another reality and know we are very focus on our mobile phones and social media. When was the last time you went outside without your mobile phone? Honestly, I don't remember but surely, many years ago. What I remember is that I wasn't all the time paying attention to if I received a message or not or checking social media. These kind of things are the ones that we must change.
It's amazing how humans can turn something that can be beneficial for us into something that negatively affects use due to its bad use, don't you think so?
Can you share how you think we can work towards not checking social media so regularly?
Regarding how to reduce this habit of checking all the time social media, the very first thing we should do is turning off notifications since they are the main factor that makes us to look all the time at the phones. What more people is starting to do is to set times for checking social media so then they are more organised and prevent al these checkings. Usually they do it by download an app for it. In my personal experience, I try to avoid the mobile phone and keep it away in some rooms, for instance when I'm eating or when I'm with my family in the living room.
Hello topical talkers!
In my view, Technology and social media is really important to young people. One of the downsides of social media is that we are disconnected from the real world and can affect in self-esteem. This can happen when we post something and haters comment, making us feel bad, causing ciberbullyng. However, there are also some advantages. One of the positive aspects is that we can have fun, feel less isolated and develop skills needed in terms of spoken and written communication. But the most important one, be original and share thoughts with friends and new people, like here, where we can look for different points of view.
I'm excited to see your comments, opinions, and learn new things!
I have worries about my future. That how can I over come my future obstacles in my peaceful life.I guess I can overcome the obstacles in my life.
I think what matters the most to me and most young people are the media,not only does it help us feel good about our selves but it can also help us understand what is going on in the world.But we have to be careful because you can't believe everything you see or hear in the media.The media also has a big influence on young people personally if you are seeing the wrong things it is most likely to influence you in in a bad way.But if you use it for good it can open a new world for you.I think what matters the most to young people are the media because in this day and age you have to follow the guidelines that influencers promote, because if you don't your more likely to be an outsider and as much as everyone wants to say it's okay to be different. It's not fun to not be included in anything. I'm not saying you need to be exactly like them just know the trendy stuff
You know, I'm from young people, so I know what's most important to them. First of all, the video games, the young people literally love the video games, and for them, this is a very important thing that they can't do without. The problem is not here. The video games have a nice side, and my side is the monster of the sweet side. They can teach them a new language or that they get used to losing, but they prefer to try and also learn sportsmanship from it, but the young people, unfortunately, unfortunately, use this, on the contrary, for example, they shout at the screen when they lose, and when their mother or their father tell them that they close the screen, it doesn's well, and so on, and also they are obsessed with social media and new trends. And forget the real world and currently they live in technology. Honestly, I don't know if technology is useful or not because it benefits us a lot and also harms us a lot. It is also very rare that you still find someone who is interested in sports, ambition, dreams, studying or anything. They are all interested in electronics and literally all their lives, and unfortunately this is not true.
And that was everything bye bye
Thanks - is there a particular news story that you think matter most to young people?
Yes, electronics because for them they make life easier and faster, and with the push of a button, they can do anything, for example, they talk to someone who has not communicated with him for a long time or with a video they posted on any of the social media platforms, they will be famous and will have money and the whole world will know them, but on the contrary, they waste their future and time because they do not focus on anything other than this and all their time is wasted on it
News stories were a good source for telling the children that we must stand up to unfair systems, using your voice to advice. so the most important thing in the news stories that we should tell the children about how we can help each other .On the other hand, it may provide false information.
We should start recreating the newspaper in a more interesting way so instead of making the news black and white it can be colored with some photos, rimed head lines and Some emojis, In order To make it more attractive.
Unfortunately, today Ai agents are providing everything to every one,
So people are starting to forget story news.
I dont think there is a single clear-cut answer to this, as the world's youth is a tremendously large group, so there is bound to be a large degree of variation. However, one of the most proeminent recent issues has been, in my opnion, the actions of Donald Trump and ICE. Taking into account their complete disregard for the law, i think its a worrying thing to think about.
Or, maybe, its America's foreign relations with other countries. A war is looking to be likelier than ever, and thats a terrifying thought, especially for the youth who will actually have to fight it. Trumps invasion of Venezuela has been a clear act of war and, in my opinion, the only thing that can stop the Trump administration now is international economic sanctions targeting the economic elites of the United States, as money seems to be Trump's main focus. I say this because, firstly, (and i cannot emphasize this enough) he created a possible competitor to the U.N. (the board of peace, according to reuters) that charges a billion dollars (yes) for a permanent seat. He will also be the life-long chairman(wikipedia). Some causes of this are the relative inaction of the united nations, allowing his administration to do essentially whatever they wish. I dont blame them, as the U.S. is a major global power, but i do believe that there is a lot we can do to improve the world for everyone else.
There are many possible answers to this question, but, in my opnion, there is a more important one. Now that we have some ideas for what matters, what we must focus on is "how do we fix it?".
In my opinion, the most important news stories are about mental health. Many young people feel a lot of pressure from school and social media today, which can be very overwhelming. If we want a better future, we need to make sure young people feel supported and happy in their minds, not just successful in their grades. While open conversations are a great start, I think schools should also integrate 'Emotional Intelligence' into the curriculum. Learning how to manage stress is just as vital as learning math or science. To fix this, we need more open conversations in schools and better access to support for everyone. We should remember that our well-being is just as important as our education because a healthy mind is what allows us to contribute to the world and face the upcoming challenges.
When I first thought about what matters most to young people, the things that came to mind were money, fame, and recognition. They seem simple and straightforward, but in reality, they are some of the hardest things to obtain. People living in the 20s and 30s today, regardless of age or gender, chase after money and fame. However, I think a little differently. Rather than being recognized by others, I believe having a strong sense of self-identity being able to acknowledge and accept oneself is more important.
In the reality we live in, comparing ourselves to others and tearing ourselves down, which leads to lowered self-esteem, happens all to often. Especially in my home country, Korea, there are far more news articles about youth depression and young people taking their own lives than about the growth and achievements of the younger generation. To reduce and improve these situations, I believe we first need an identity that allows us to love and recognize ourselves.
When we come to understand what we are good at, what we excel in, and why we deserve to be loved, I think we can live each day with joy rather than being overwhelmed by deep sadness.
I think what affects to our brain building process like educatioin, social media and environments surrounding you etc is most important to young people(including teenagers) because they comprises big part of your developing area. Plus, shaping brain doesn't just mean natural happening. It's what remains forever with vivid impacts.
For example, I think one of them is adaptation. Have you heard of a girl who grew up with dogs? She was abandoned from her parents, so she was had pretty big adaptatioin to that envrionment. She had whole different humans despite herself is a human as well.
Also, they are still learners and obviously they have to lear and absorbs knowledges by their experiences. Education can be helpful for your malleable brains to construct the stronger ones. You might make right judgements/choices from this, and consider what is wrong or right.
The younger you are, the easier for you to get influenced.
Most of young people believe things easily. That means they are easy to get brainwashed and affected. What you see, hear and feel matters a lot especially when you are young.
I thinking you about future jobs and the new technology like AI is the most important I'm starting to thank about what I want to do after school seeing stories about how jobs are change is is really important to me it matters to yong people because we are the one who have pick what to study based on where the world is going
I thinking you about future jobs and the new technology like AI is the most important I'm starting to thank about what I want to do after school seeing stories about how jobs are change is is really important to me it matters to yong people because we are the one who have pick what to study based on where the world is going
Young people suffer through a severe amount of anxiety through their lives, from bullying and academic pressure . As for bullying , the rate of it has increased rapidly to the extent of an average young person being intimidated from others around them as for the fear of being judged or simply made fun of. Academic pressures have increased dramatically, making students spend weeks studying for hope of being accepted in this high rate of expectations in our educational state ,as a B is considered failing now. Overall, this causes young people to be driven to prefom well , even in the hardest tasks as for them; there is no room for mistakes,causing an acute amount of anxiety in their lives, making their performance their only worry as making other crucial decisions seem unnecessary.
THE NEW STORY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY IS BASED ON THE CAPACITY TO TRUST OUR ABILITIES.
The young people are valuable because humanity needs our individual services,
the talent of another is not the same with the other, this means all human differs.
The nature of how great people reigns is how most people wish to grow individually,
so, it is certain that one's ability is based on the capacity to make changes that are different from others.
Young people's mind operates in different perspectives but seems to easily pick up things faster than that of some adults.
And our dreams differ, so do the young people mindset grow wide each day, in their goals, potentials and ambitions which all defines their destinies because the road to progress is FREEDOM.
When a child is free and able to cultivate more virtues and developments in exploring the world, rather than vices, that ends with riots, many changes would possibly exist from their intellectual handworks and knowledge. So, if every child is able to get a legal freedom and necessities to improve their knowledge, they would be a great advanced changes in the life of all young people.
NOW TO THE MAIN POINT:
Young people should be allowed and assisted to foster their dreams and goal, mainly from the support and help of experts, financially and more of ideas that can actually brain burst the earth. It requires the ability to keep yourself forward without taking a move backward, because we can only achieve what we need or want as an essential when we give it our full best.
I encourage all to stive high for the best.
I think news story is important to young people because they need to know what is happening in the real world like inflation or taxes.
The young people today needs strength to support their dreams and this can only work when all required materials are made available with our back up plans to give it our best.
While the world faces the danger of climate change and wars disrupt countries, one of the most pressing problems for today's youth is the end of real economic mobility, widening gap between effort and outcome. This is a crisis that is of the utmost importance to youth because it affects every single major decision they make in life. When education, talent and hardwork no longer lead to stability, youth start to put off dreams, take fewer risks and scale back expectations. Today's generation is studying longer, working harder and entering the workforce earlier, but experiencing rising costs, insecure employment and limited opportunities to advance. Youths are doing everything right and still falling behind. This gap fuels frustration, fear and a quiet loss of trust in systems that promise fairness. This is a very important issue for the youths as it undermines belief in fairness. When systems seem unconcerned with effort, motivation suffers and trust is undermined. Without trust, progress becomes performative rather than purposeful. Thus, although this topic is not as immediate as war or as visible as the climate crisis, it is no less important. It quietly decides who gets to shape the future and who gets left out of it. For young people, it is not just a question of opportunity but whether the pursuit of anything is even relevant.
I believe that the increasing impact of social media on young people’s identity and mental health is the most pressing issue today because it does so in the background, influencing how young people perceive themselves and their future. Social media is no longer just a source of entertainment; it has become a platform where success, beauty, intelligence, and happiness are constantly measured and compared. This has led to the setting of unrealistic standards and has made many young people feel as if they need to present a perfect image to the world rather than being themselves.
For instance, young people feel great when they are out in the world, but they begin to question themselves after viewing posts that display filtered lives, luxurious lifestyles, and instant success. This has led to anxiety, low self-esteem, and fear of failure. Rather than concentrating on learning and developing as individuals, many young people are now preoccupied with gaining likes and approval, which can lead to them being distracted from their actual goals and relationships.
After considering the comments from other Topical Talkers, I concur with the view that topics such as climate change, education, and employment are also important. Nevertheless, I do not concur with the view that social media is a “minor” issue. It shapes the way young people think about all other topics, including politics, career decisions, and even self-esteem. When mental health is impacted, decision-making and motivation are also impacted.
Do you think social media platforms should be held responsible for the impact they have on young people's self-esteem and mental health?
I think that the news that is important for the young people is EVERYTHING and the reason I think that young people should be Interested in everything is because its going around them and their environments and neighborhoods.And this world is their future And they should care about it very much because in the long term it will effect them.
Honestly, I think that What matters most to young people are things that make them feel happy and safe. Family and friends are very important as they provide love and support. Young people also care about having fun, playing games, and learning new things. School also matters as it helps them grow smarter and prepare for their future.
Can you give an example of how school prepares young people for their future?
An example of how Schools prepare students for their future is by teaching them practical skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and time management through group projects and presentations.
What matters most to young people varies depending on background, experiences, and influences. A teenager in a peaceful country may care more about education, tech or career opportunities, while someone in an unstable region may worry more about safety and basic rights. Personal interests, family situations and national conditions shape which news feel most important. However, several global issues affect young people everywhere.
War and conflict are among the biggest concerns. For many, war means losing homes, schools, and even family members. Even those far from conflict feel the impact through rising prices, fear and political tension. News about wars matters because it shapes the world the next generation will inherit and highlights the need for peace and international cooperation.
Linked to war is tyranny and human rights abuse. Stories about censorship and protests are important because young people care deeply about freedom and justice. These headlines remind them that rights must always be protected.
Technology is another key issue. It shapes how young people learn, communicate and think. News about AI, social media and online safety directly affects their daily lives, bringing both opportunities and risks.
Finally, climate change and the environmental crisis are crucial. Rising temperatures and natural disasters threaten the future of today’s youth. This story matters because they will live longest with its consequences.
Different young people focus on different issues, but war, tyranny, technology, and climate change shape their present and future most powerfully.
I believe that climate changes stands as the defining news story for our generation, shaping the very landscape of our future. The accelerating rise in global temperatures, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and the ongoing degradation of natural environments will profoundly influence how we live,work, and move through the world in coming years. While many current leaders may not experience the full impact of today's choices, it is young people who will face the consequences. Remaining informed about climate issues not only clarifies the urgency of action but also inspires us to take meaningful responsibility and actively participate in safeguarding our planet.
I think that what matters the most to young is their role model. Every young person has his or her own role model. It depends on one to another. Young people love to be like their role model. For example, my role model is Gotham chess (youtuber). He teaches me chess and he is so popular. My brother's role models are rappers and actually, he wants to be a rapper like them. My friend's role model is Messi, and he wants to be a professional footballer like him.
This is the perfect chance for parents to make their children brought up well such as if parents made their children love engineering from their youth, they will be engineers. When I was six years old, I began playing with blocks and Lego. I was a legend in it therefore my dream until now is to become an engineer to build buildings.
For example, my other friend loves ICT and he likes programing from his youth. He wants now to be a famous programmer and make interesting games for people to play and have fun.
The parents are very significant. If they cared about their young children and planted a great role model in them, their young children will be talented. Yet, if they did not, their young children can drift into horrible paths and have terrible role models like criminals.
In Egypt, there are many young people that drive in bad paths like some young Egyptians smoke from the age of 10! This is because of the careless parents or the bad friends.
To conclude, if a young had a great role model, he or she would be the best but if he or she had ugly parenting and friends, they will have the worst future ever.
In our opinion, we think the most important story in the news today for younger people, is the ongoing development of AI Technology and how it's starting to be used in everyday things. Including how phones can translate languages instantly, or how websites can help you write pieces of work within seconds. It's pretty cool to see how quickly it's changing and it will likely have impact on how we learn and interact with the world as we grow up. As sometimes, it takes out the creative side and imagination meanwhile, using AI to help us study and save time and effort. Although we do believe education is the way for all of our dreams and aspirations.
I am not too sure what's the main topic that teenagers nowadays focus on, but I'm sure that conflicts and war around the world affect us very much.
In fact, these wars can iterfere with our future drastically, taking away opportunities we haven't even been able to receive yet.
Wars can interfere a lot with the "best" jobs to pick, with deciding where to live when we'll grow up, with picking the best place to study at, but most importantly, with the rights that we will have: they are not granted in every country..
I must say I think that voting is a very important topic and that's because we are really intrested in what's happening in our country.
We want to know what laws are being approved and what we would want to vote if we had the opportunity to, we are intrested in getting to know who's at the head of the state and how the parliament and government are working together.
Related facts about young people
speaking against full agreement to AI, we all know that this artificial intelligence programmed in robots and electronic life supporters have been aided, built and developed by a human. this shows the high rate of smartness a human could be compared to the AI existed on its own, rather the time spent in generating such electronic device can be used to change the situation of the world. In our world today, people lack peace not because they are poor, through all necessities in the world is not based on riches, take for instance in Nigeria, so many things here are ruining the great dreams of our young people; all this include: corruption, bad governance, political instability, lack of education, terrorism, bandits, pollution and majority the fear to speak against all this illegal vices in order to avoid being killed or penalized by the doers.
Still speaking about young people, I write to tell that actually the pen can change the world and our actions can make our fate lead close to the path of great zeals. It's hard, but together we can always try new thing. to me; all my fellow students here are doing well in their writing but I stand to tell that our actions or writings when practiced creates and brings a change to the world at large.
I will conclude by saying that "HUMAN INTELLECTUAL SKILL IS AN EXPERT TO BETTER HUMANITARIAN PROBLEM SOLVINGS".
I think what matters to young children is the way one is being influenced by someone at their age and not follwing the right decision is one of the thing that can make one not focused on their studies. but we need to help rthose children in need. Thank you.
A lot of older people treat teenagers/young adults as enigmas, as if they're mysteries to be solved. Really, if they look at them through a humane eye, things are much less complicated.
Puberty changes a person. It is one of the hardest eras in someone's life. Despite that, though, they're still a person, and as people surrounded and affected by society, youngsters want to feel like they belong. That is, I believe, the most important thing to them (without meaning it in an insulting way), along with other things which I'll list below.
Especially teenagers want to feel socially accepted, and so will adopt certain behaviours and habits which are in disagreement with their personality. That can cause problems to them and their social circle alike.
Aside from that, I think young people really care about their future. I've heard many disagree and point out how, by doing dumb things, they show how much they lack care. They don't. All youngsters I've met are anxious about their future: career-wise, about the planet, world politics etc.
Also, they care about their external appearance, aware of their bad habits, are willing thrive in their inclinations.
I think that news about wars between countries impact a lot of young people , it can affect their feelings or emotions . Also political leaders speechs affect a lot on teenagers
mind . From my point of view , in news should appear more happy and more important news that tell us what is happening or what happened and not always sad and tragic news .
I think the war is a really bad thing to chuck on the news for younger people because there get worried or scared about what’s happening and that might make them think what if that happened to us and they should never have that in there mindset or even think about it I don’t think they should even watch the news if that happens but news could also be a good influence so 50% 50%
So I think that most important news story for in people like Gen Z and Alpha is the intersection of artificial intelligence and the future of work education. So I agree with you that it matters for young people but older people might be as a relevant for any people so... think the most important for young people I think that will be news that related to intelligence and the future of work education.
Hi Topical Talkers!!! For me, nowadays, young people are interested in one specific topic: peace around the world. Why?Because they don't want that in the future would have problems between people that are from countries which have problems in our present.
If the situation is happening nowadays go on, we'll witness the Third World War and more and more wars between countries and continents, whose people will completely lose world peace and comunication with no turning back.
For this reason, I ask you to not send racist comments or share opinions that can attack people with other nationalities, beliefs or opinions.
Let's make a comfortable world for everyone.
DRIVING STUDENTS' SUCCESS WITH PERSONALIZED LEARNING.
The ability to offer a high standard requirement for the education of all regardless of barriers and economic differences mostly with the help of technology. To introduce the important use of technology for empowering all members of a country in order for the people to fit in financially, mentally and in all aspect of life is one of the most required needs of some countries like in Nigerian.
This can help develop the thought pattern of a child and also lead to the improvement of the country, few stable needs that could possibly be legally in request for the improvement of all in terms of education and technology advancements mostly in schools.
1) Learning smart with a smart book adaptive learning technology to help improve student's achievements.
2)Individualized learning pathways help identify content gains and learning gap for every student.
3)Adaptive questions continually measures and monitors student content mastery.
4)Progress checks and assessments pinpoints concepts student is ready to learn next.
5)Real-time data insights show concept mastery and application.
This are just few requirements basically needed in the growth of education in consideration of technology, and this can help improve our young people when practiced, most alternatives don't work for all and that's why backed up plans are made.
I think a "Healthy Living Style" is most important to young people, because many young people have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. This is caused by many factors, but one of the biggest factors is an unhealthy lifestyle.
Nowadays, many children and teenagers consume fast food. Because they are fast, simple, and cheap. Even though, besides all those good things, fast foods contains high level of salt and fat, which are detrimental to their health. However, many are unaware and unconcerned, and repeated bad habits can lead to fatal consequences. This will also have long-term negative consequences. Eating fast food too often can lead to mild until serious illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, liver damage, kidney disorders, digestive problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
This diseases will clearly disrupt life, while youth or adolescence is a golden time to explore the world and new things. It's a shame if bad habits we consider trivial result in serious problems. To prevent this, news story can educate children and adolescents from an early age about the importance of a healthy life. Examples of a healthy lifestyle include eating nutritious food, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, and avoiding smoking.
Thank you!
Hello Topical Talkers! It's me again, secure_sparrow
To be honest, I think the most important thing for teenagers today is their physical appearance. We live in a time where everyone is more concerned with how others see us. We often care more about what others might think or say about us, even if deep down we know it's not true or that we think differently.
I don't understand why we care more about the opinion of a stranger than that of our own family, who are the ones who truly know us and care about us. Sometimes, just thinking we're not physically fit or because someone makes a comment can create insecurities or complexes. Some people already had them, but when someone points them out directly, those fears intensify.
Because of this, some boys and girls stop eating or exercise excessively without resting or eating properly. All of this can lead to serious fainting spells and health problems, and the worst part is that it often happens simply because of our own thoughts or something someone said without thinking. It's very sad that we reach this point just to fit in or be liked by others.
I think we should learn to value ourselves more, to listen to ourselves, and to understand that our health is more important than any opinion. No one should feel bad about their body, because we are all different, and that's what makes us unique.
The first day of the T20 World Cup is a big news event for young people, mixing excitement, inspiration, and engagement. For many, cricket is not just a game- it's a shared experience that brings together friends, families, strangers and even countries. The first day of the World Cup establishes the tone for the event and generates social media chatter as young people talk about the matches, players, and action. The fast paced action of T20 cricket matches the energy and short attention span of today's youth.
The key events of the first day of the world cup were significant because they include a hattrick that turned the tide of a match, a last over thriller that kept viewers on their edge of their seats until the very last ball, and a comeback victory that showed that when you believed in yourselves and work together, you can achieve success even when the odds are against you.
I feel this is important news because this excites young people, helps them to overcome the stressful environment during the exam days, also this helps them to value every team. They provide lessons for young people about what really matters in life: working hard, believing in yourself, and persevering when the going gets tough. When young people are facing academic challenges and uncertainty about their future, it is inspiring to have positive and exciting stories to share.
I think other Topical Talkers would agree with me...
In my view, news about weather like floods or wind is very important to young people, because its so strange and it also affect us.Sometimes we cant go to school because of that, for example in Cáceres, Spain, it happens the 28 of January.This is damaging our environment, some trees fall, destroy houses…
This is caused because most of the time, we use the car instead of walking or cycling, and that affects the environment and climate change.
To sum up, weather for some people its not something interesting or its not catchy, but its an important thing that we had in our lives every day.
I agree because climate change is not just an idea we hear about online or in school anymore. It is something we can actually see and feel happening around us. It affects not only humans, but every living thing on this planet. Even though climate change began back in the 1800s, it has become much worse over time because of human actions like pollution, cutting down forests, and wasting natural resources. Instead of getting better, the problem keeps growing.
One of the most worrying signs of climate change is the rising temperature of the oceans. Every year seems to be hotter than the last, showing a clear pattern that cannot be ignored. Warmer oceans damage coral reefs, harm sea life, and cause stronger storms and rising sea levels. Many coastal communities are already losing their homes, which makes climate change feel very real and close to home.
Climate change also brings extreme weather such as floods, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves. These events do not just affect the environment; they affect people’s lives, homes, and food supplies. Animals are losing their habitats, and many species are slowly disappearing. When the natural world suffers, humans suffer too, because we depend on the Earth for clean air, water, and food.
I truly believe young people have the power to make a difference. By speaking up, learning more, and making better choices in our daily lives, we can still protect our planet. If we wait too long, the damage may be impossible to fix for future generations
I agree that education is really important for young people everywhere because it helps us understand the world and make better choices. Learning gives us the skills we need to solve problems and grow as individuals. AI can be useful in many ways, especially if it is used the right way. It can help students learn difficult topics, revise lessons, or even just entertain someone when they are bored. AI can make learning faster and sometimes even more fun.
But I also think using AI too much can be a problem. When people rely on AI for everything, even for simple questions, it can stop them from thinking for themselves. For example, if someone doesn’t know what a noun is, they might just ask AI instead of trying to remember or figure it out. If the internet isn’t working, that person could feel completely stuck. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t depend on AI would probably be able to answer quickly without any help.
Using AI too much can also affect creativity and problem-solving. When we rely on technology for every answer, our brains don’t get enough practice to think critically. I think AI should be a tool to support learning, not replace it. Students should try to understand things themselves first, then use AI if they really need help. When used in the right balance, AI can be helpful, but relying on it too much could actually hurt learning in the long run.
I'm not sure about this because...in my opinion the most important news story for young people today is the rapid and on going changes in the world , particularly in technology,the economy and society which are strongly influencing how they learn in school,prepare for future career and understanding their rate in a fast changing global community
I believe that the rising geopolitical tensions around the world are one of the most important issues young people should be aware of today. These conflicts are no longer distant problems; they affect global stability, economies, and the future we will grow up in. In Europe, Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to create fear and uncertainty. Many European countries are strengthening their military defenses, worried that the conflict could spread further. The United States reducing its support for Ukraine has also pushed European nations to take more responsibility for their own security, showing how fragile peace in the region has become.
At the same time, tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are increasing. The rivalry between the U.S. and China, especially over Taiwan and the South China Sea, has serious global consequences. Taiwan is a key producer of semiconductors, which are essential for modern technology, making it a valuable strategic and economic asset.
The Middle East remains unstable as well. Ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, along with political unrest in Iran, continues to fuel regional tension. Proxy conflicts in places like Yemen reveal how powerful countries compete for influence and resources.
Beyond warfare, economic uncertainty, climate pressure, and rising nationalism are adding to global stress. Overall, the world appears fragile and divided, making it essential for young people to stay informed and engaged.
What young people care about most often depends on where they live, how they grow up, and what they experience every day. A teenager living in a safe and stable country may focus more on education, technology, or future career goals. In contrast, someone growing up in a region affected by conflict may be more concerned about personal safety, freedom, and access to basic needs. Family background, social environment, and national conditions all influence which news feels most urgent to them. Still, there are certain global issues that affect young people everywhere.
One of the biggest concerns is war and conflict. For many young people, war means disruption to daily life, loss of education, and emotional trauma. Even those living far away are affected through economic instability, rising costs, and global uncertainty. News about conflict matters because it shapes the kind of world young people will inherit.
Human rights and freedom are also deeply important. Stories about oppression, censorship, and protests remind young people that justice and equality cannot be taken for granted. Technology is another major influence, shaping how they learn, connect, and express themselves, while also raising concerns about privacy and safety.
Finally, climate change stands out as a defining issue for this generation. Environmental damage and extreme weather threaten their future, making action and awareness essential.