Education Monitor 2026: Can education still unlock opportunity?
Young people are growing up in a time of rapid technological change, economic uncertainty and shifting expectations about what it takes to succeed. This year's findings reveal that, across 31 countries, people remain concerned about the pressures facing the next generation, while becoming more nuanced in their views about technology and education.
Key findings:
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Mental health remains the biggest concern for young people
Across 31 countries, mental health challenges rank as the most commonly cited issue facing young people today, ahead of poverty, the economy, housing and technology.
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People are drawing a distinction between social media and AI
Support for banning social media for children has increased in almost every country since 2024, while a much smaller proportion believe AI should be banned in schools. Across 31 countries, people are increasingly differentiating between technologies they see as harmful and those they believe could support learning.
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University remains the preferred path for most
Despite concerns about value for money, people in almost every country surveyed are more likely to recommend university before entering the workforce rather than going straight into employment.
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Views of the future vary widely around the world
In many emerging economies, there is strong confidence that today's young people will have a bright future. In much of Europe, optimism is in shorter supply.
