…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Study Finds British Teens Influenced More by Parents than Social Media
According to a survey of 2,000 British teens aged between 13 and 18, their parents are the most influential people in their lives when it comes to making significant decisions, with 75% naming their parents as among the most influential people in their lives.
This figure is in stark contrast to the 3% who chose social media influencers or celebrities they follow on social media as having a significant influence.
On the other hand, 28% of respondents believe their friends often influence their behaviour.
The study was commissioned by online resource Talking Futures and conducted on students attending state or non-paying schools.
The survey revealed that parents or carers were most likely to be consulted for education and career advice (65%) and advice on hobbies and sports to try (35%).
Analysis and Commentaries
The result of this survey shows that despite the widespread use of social media among teenagers, parents still have a significant influence on their decision-making process.
It is interesting to note that the research focused on students attending state or non-paying schools, which means that the findings may not be representative of all teenagers in the UK.
The spokesperson for Talking Futures, Michelle Rea, emphasised the importance of parents in their children’s education and career choices, highlighting the fact that parents should not worry about having all the answers, but instead show support for their children’s interests and passions and help them work through the decisions they need to make together.
The study also revealed that teenagers are more likely to listen to online influencers who are entrepreneurs (26%), sports personalities (20%), lifestyle influencers (17%), and financial influencers (16%).
This finding suggests that young people are interested in those who have succeeded in various fields and may look up to them as role models.
The study also found that 78% of youngsters believe their parents speak to them the perfect amount regarding their careers, and teenagers are nearly twice as likely to have a career conversation started by their parents than to initiate the discussion themselves (42% compared to 22%).
This result suggests that parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s future, and they need to take an active interest in their children’s career aspirations.
To help parents engage in career conversations with their children, Talking Futures has developed the INFLUENCE framework, which aims to provide parents with resources to help them understand the different education options and get the most out of career conversations with their children.
By exploring education and career options together, parents can help their children find the right next step for them.
The study also provided insights into what teenagers want from a job, with the top three priorities being working in a job they enjoy, being paid a lot of money, and being their own boss.
The study also identified that teenagers are interested in jobs that make a positive difference to the world, other people, and the local community.
This result highlights the importance of meaningful work to young people and their desire to make a positive impact.
In conclusion, the study shows that parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s future, particularly regarding education and career choices.
Social media influencers may have some influence, but parents remain the most influential people in teenagers’ lives.
Parents need to continue to engage in career conversations with their children to help them make informed decisions and to support their interests and passions.
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