In a YPulse survey of teenagers in Western Europe, young people were asked what they would like to learn in school but aren’t taught. Here are the most frequently named topics.
Most frequently named topics
What 13- to 39-year-olds in Western Europe think should be taught in school:
- Financial management skills / Economics
- Ethics / Mutual respect / Kindness
- Practical life skills (e.g. housekeeping skills, technical skills, etc.)
- Sex education / Healthy sexual habits / Sexology / Sexuality
- Emotional intelligence / Social skills / Communication skills
- Civics
- Racial and gender equality / Cultural awareness
- Career skills / Career choices
- True history / Slavery / Colonial history
- Mental health skills / Psychosocial skills
- Discipline / Good manners
- Ecology / Environmentalism
- Computer skills / Science / Coding
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Foreign languages
Young people want to learn in school how to grow their money, how to get along well with each other and how to avoid calling a repairman all the time. (Andy Fronius)
Responses to the survey also showed a desire for more civics and for a focus on entrepreneurship.
Relationship questions
- Are there things your teenagers would like to learn in school but don’t?
- What are the most important things you learn, or should learn, in your teenage years?
- Do your teenagers feel they’re learning the skills they need to succeed as a person?
