Summary
- • 1 in 5 youth aged 15-24 are not in employment, education or training (NEET)
- • Youth unemployment rate is 13.6% globally
- • 71 million young people are unemployed globally
- • Youth are 3 times more likely to be unemployed than adults
- • 43% of the global youth labour force is either unemployed or working yet living in poverty
- • 90% of youth live in developing countries
- • There are 1.2 billion youth aged 15-24 years in the world
- • Youth make up 16% of the global population
- • By 2030, the number of youth is projected to grow by 7%, to nearly 1.3 billion
- • In 2019, 1 in 5 young people were NEET
- • Globally, 1 in 5 children, adolescents and youth are out of school
- • Only 49% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education
- • 617 million youth worldwide lack basic mathematics and literacy skills
- • Two-thirds of the 617 million children and adolescents who lack basic skills are in school
- • 42% of youth worldwide have internet access at home
Move over boomers, the youth are here to shake things up… that is if they can find a job first! With 1 in 5 young people aged 15-24 not in employment, education, or training (NEET), a global youth unemployment rate of 13.6%, and a staggering 71 million young individuals out of work, it seems the future workforce is facing more hurdles than ever. From mental health challenges to climate anxiety and the disruptive impacts of COVID-19, the stats dont lie – our youth are up against a rollercoaster of issues that demand attention, action, and maybe even a healthy dose of humor. Lets dive into the numbers and see just how this generation is navigating a world that seems determined to throw curveballs their way.
Civic Engagement
- Youth voter turnout is generally lower than other age groups
- In the 2016 US presidential election, only 39% of 18-29 year olds voted
- In the 2019 EU elections, youth turnout increased by 50% compared to 2014
- Only 2.2% of parliamentarians globally are under 30
- Less than 1% of parliamentarians are women under 30
Interpretation
Despite the surge in youth turnout in recent elections, it seems like young people are still struggling to break into the political scene. With a disproportionately low representation in parliament, it's clear that the voice of the youth is often drowned out by their older counterparts. Maybe it's time for the seasoned politicians to pass the torch and let the fresh perspectives of the younger generation illuminate the path to a brighter future.
Demographics
- 90% of youth live in developing countries
- There are 1.2 billion youth aged 15-24 years in the world
- Youth make up 16% of the global population
- By 2030, the number of youth is projected to grow by 7%, to nearly 1.3 billion
- Approximately 1 in 6 people in the world are youth
- The global youth population is expected to peak at 1.4 billion in 2065
- In 2019, 15.5% of the global population were youth aged 15-24
- Africa has the youngest population, with a median age of 19.7 years
- Europe has the oldest population, with a median age of 42.5 years
Interpretation
The statistics paint a vivid portrait of youth today, with 90% residing in developing nations - a demographic pendulum swinging towards tomorrow. At 1.2 billion strong and making up 16% of the world populace, the youth of the world wield significant influence and potential. With projections signaling a 7% growth by 2030, the future seems poised for an energetic boom. As the global youth population peaks at 1.4 billion in 2065, one can't help but reflect on Africa's youthful vibrancy juxtaposed against Europe's graying sophistication. In this age of contrasts, one thing remains certain - the power and promise of youth transcends borders, demographics, and time itself.
Education
- In 2019, 1 in 5 young people were NEET
- Globally, 1 in 5 children, adolescents and youth are out of school
- Only 49% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education
- 617 million youth worldwide lack basic mathematics and literacy skills
- Two-thirds of the 617 million children and adolescents who lack basic skills are in school
- The pandemic has disrupted the education of over 1.6 billion students
- Over 100 million additional children could fall below the minimum reading proficiency level due to COVID-19
- 65% of young people reported having learned less since the beginning of the pandemic
Interpretation
Amidst the sea of statistics lies a sobering reality—our youth are grappling with a myriad of challenges, from educational disparities to the disruptive forces of a global pandemic. As we confront the alarming figures—1 in 5 young people NEET, 617 million lacking basic skills, and over 1.6 billion students impacted by school closures—we must not only recognize the urgency of the situation but also the opportunity for collective action. In a world where knowledge is power, these statistics serve as a poignant reminder that investing in education is not just a matter of economic prosperity but a moral imperative to empower future generations to thrive and succeed.
Employment
- 1 in 5 youth aged 15-24 are not in employment, education or training (NEET)
- Youth unemployment rate is 13.6% globally
- 71 million young people are unemployed globally
- Youth are 3 times more likely to be unemployed than adults
- 43% of the global youth labour force is either unemployed or working yet living in poverty
- Globally, 1 in 6 young people aged 18-24 have stopped working since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Youth employment fell by 8.7% in 2020 compared with 3.7% for adults
- 42% of youth reported a decline in income due to COVID-19
- 38% of youth are uncertain about their future career prospects due to COVID-19
- 1 in 6 young people have stopped working since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis
- Youth aged 15-24 are more likely to be employed in sectors highly affected by COVID-19
- 39% of 15-24 year-olds in the labor force are unemployed or in working poverty
- Youth are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults
- 1 in 5 youth are not in employment, education or training (NEET)
Interpretation
In a world where TikTok dances abound but job opportunities seem to evade them, today's youth are facing a precarious future. With statistics showcasing a harrowing reality where 1 in 5 young adults are neither working nor learning, it's clear that the glittering promise of the future is dulled by the harsh glow of unemployment rates. As they grapple with the pandemic's aftermath, uncertain career paths, and stagnant incomes, it's evident that the youthful exuberance of today is being met with the stark realities of global economic upheaval. The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the struggling job seekers of today, juggling the weight of a crisis that threatens to stifle their potential. Time to turn those TikTok moves into job application dances, perhaps?
Environment
- 75% of young people say they are willing to change their lifestyle to protect the environment
- 69% of youth are very worried or extremely worried about climate change
- 45% of youth say climate anxiety affects their daily lives
- 64% of youth believe governments are failing young people on climate change
- 58% of youth say they have never participated in a climate protest
Interpretation
These statistics paint a complex portrait of the youth today: eager and hopeful about making a difference for the environment, yet burdened with anxiety and disappointment in societal response. It seems that while the majority are willing to walk the talk, a significant portion are finding the weight of climate change increasingly hard to bear in their daily lives. Perhaps what we are seeing is not just a generation demanding change, but one grappling with the frustrating disconnect between their aspirations and the perceived inertia of those in power. It’s a clarion call for action intermingled with a palpable sense of disillusionment - a paradox that only underscores the urgency of the climate crisis and the critical need for more meaningful engagement from all stakeholders.
Health
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds
- Depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents
- Half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age
- Globally, 1 in 7 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder
- 14% of the world's adolescents experience mental health conditions
- Every day, over 1,000 young people aged 15 to 24 are infected with HIV
- Young people (15-24) accounted for 28% of new HIV infections in 2019
- 3.5 million young people aged 10-19 were living with HIV in 2019
- Only 1 in 3 young people have comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention
- 70% of youth report that COVID-19 has adversely affected their mental health
- 73% of young people feel the need to ask for help concerning their mental health
- 50% of mental health disorders begin by age 14
- 75% of mental health disorders begin by age 24
- Globally, depression is the fourth leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents aged 15-19 years
- Anxiety is the ninth leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents aged 15-19 years
- In 2016, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 years were living with a diagnosed mental disorder
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds
Interpretation
In a world where statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges facing today's youth, it's clear that the struggles of adolescence extend far beyond acne and awkward prom dates. From mental health conditions knocking on the door as early as age 14 to the sobering reality of HIV infections and the shadow of suicide, young people are wading through a minefield of issues. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and it's no wonder that the mental health of our youth is taking a beating. As the saying goes, "Teenage years are like a rollercoaster – some may love the thrill, but for many, it's a white-knuckle ride through uncharted territories." Let's ensure that the safety harness of support, education, and resources is firmly in place for our young passengers on this wild ride.
Technology
- 42% of youth worldwide have internet access at home
- Young people are nearly twice as likely to be internet users than the rest of the population
- 71% of the world's youth are online
- In developed countries, 95% of youth are online
- In developing countries, 65% of youth are online
Interpretation
In today's digital age, it seems the youth have unlocked the virtual door to the world wide web faster than you can say "buffering." With 42% of young minds globally accessing the internet from the comfort of their homes, it's no surprise they're nearly doubling the usage rate of the rest of us, making up a whopping 71% of online users worldwide. The digital divide is not just a theory, as developed nations boast a staggering 95% youth internet penetration, while developing countries are not far behind at 65%. So while the youth of today may still need parental permission slips for some things, navigating the online realm is clearly not one of them.
