The Ipsos Education Monitor 2024: Widespread support for banning social media for under 14s and acceptance that kids today have it harder
How accurately do global citizens perceive their education systems?
In the second edition of our annual Education Monitor, we explore global attitudes towards education and schools, with a special focus on the role of technology, AI and smartphones.
Key findings include:
- Nearly all countries surveyed support for banning social media for children under 14. 65% of people – and majorities in 29 of 30 countries – support a ban on under 14s using social media inside and outside of school. Germany is the only country in our survey where a majority does not think social media should be banned for this age group.
- Perceptions do not align with reality. A third of people (33%, on average) across 30 countries think their country has a good education system – but there’s little correlation between perceived quality and educational achievement, as measured by the international PISA framework . 74% of Singaporeans say their education system is good (ranking #1 in our survey according to PISA scores). But just 21% of South Koreans say the same, despite ranking #3. The lack of correlation between PISA attainment scores and public perceptions of education in each country may also reflect the fact that Ipsos research shows parents judge schools on far more than just exam performance, with discipline, overall wellbeing and development often seen as equally or more important, especially for younger children.
- Boomers are more sympathetic to the plight of young people. Despite the perception older people believe things were more difficult when they were growing up, people across all adult generations think kids have it harder today. 63% of Baby Boomers say this is the case (vs 57% of Gen X, 48% of Millennials and 47% of Gen Z).
- Increasing uncertainty about use of AI in schools. The proportion of people who support a ban on AI models, like ChatGPT, in schools has risen to 36% in 2024 from 29% last year. People are now split on the issue with 37% disagreeing with banning (down from 42% in 2023).
- Challenges to the education system vary greatly by country. In Great Britain, a lack of public funding comes top (40%). In the US, concerns focus around political or ideological bias (33%) and safety and security (31%). In Romania, an outdated curriculum (51%) and inadequate teacher training (45%) are the most cited challenges.
