Current theme
Identity, values and beliefs
Fewer young people identify as Christian now than a decade ago, but there is still openness to the idea of God and to prayer. In contrast almost all young people now believe climate change will impact the UK, while remaining uninterested in politics generally. There has been a steep rise in referrals to the NHS Gender Identity Service in recent years and greater diversity in young people’s sexual orientation, with more saying they feel attraction to both sexes. Despite their progressive social views, there has also been a rise in reported bullying related to ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation, suggesting this generation is not universally accepting of this diversity.
1. There’s been a dramatic increase in young people needing help with their gender identity
2. More young people are identifying as LGB+, particularly as bisexual
3. Christianity is in decline amongst teenagers, who are now more likely to have no religion
4. Young people have moved 'off the fence' in their views about climate change
5. Young people's everday climate-saving behaviours are changing, but slowly
6. Most young people aren’t interested in politics, but they do find ways to effect change
7. Labour is consistently the most popular political party among younger teenagers
8. Despite their progressive social views, sexist and racist bullying has increased among young people