In the times of deep social transformations caused by war, economic challenges and emotional stress, the idea of the youth about their own future is of particular importance. It is the worldview of teenagers – those who in a few years will determine the appearance of the country, its culture, economy and politics – that can shed light on the real state of society. Understanding what young Ukrainians want, what guides them in choosing a life path, what they hope for and what they fear is not only a subject for research, but also a basis for the formation of future-oriented state policy.
Optimism, but with caution: how teenagers see their tomorrow
It is precisely such benchmarks that the large-scale analyzes research “Index of the Future: Professional Expectations and Development of Teenagers in Ukraine”, initiated by the Olena Zelenska Foundation and conducted by the KSE Institute in cooperation with the humanitarian organization “Man in Need”. More than 10,000 respondents took part in it, including more than 5,000 Ukrainian teenagers aged 13 to 16, as well as their parents or guardians. The study does not simply record social sentiments, but reveals a complex picture of balancing between optimism, the search for opportunities and a critical view of reality.
Despite the dramatic events of recent years, 82% of Ukrainian teenagers are optimistic about their personal future. And although trust in the future of Ukraine is lower — 60% — it still indicates a fairly high level of public faith, considering the general state of the country.
Despite this, the idea of emigration remains relevant for a significant part of teenagers: every fourth of them is already seriously considering the possibility of leaving the country in the future. At the same time, it is interesting that the main factor of such a decision is not fear or the desire to avoid danger, but rather the search for wider opportunities for implementation. Safety is not among the top three motives.
Motivations for emigration
The key factor that prompts Ukrainian teenagers to think about moving is the desire to develop: 80% of respondents noted that abroad offers wider opportunities for study, career and self-realization. Another 64% emphasized the desire to see the world, 39% — access to quality education, and only 38% — security aspects.
Thus, emigration attitudes cannot be considered exclusively as an escape from reality — it is rather a search for an environment where one can fully reveal himself. This is the challenge for Ukrainian institutions: to create conditions that would allow young people to realize these aspirations at home.
Portrait of those planning to leave
Most often, the desire to emigrate arises among teenagers who live in cities, have a definite idea about their future profession, speak English well and are brought up in families with a high educational level. In other words, these are not those who feel vulnerable – on the contrary, this is an active, potentially mobile and competitive part of the generation.
It is in this aspect that there is a threat of losing an important resource of the future – motivated, capable youth who can build the country, but will instead give their strength to another state if there are no suitable conditions in Ukraine.
How parents see the future of their children
Parents of teenagers, despite the difficult situation, demonstrate a patriotic attitude: 57% of them would prefer that their children stay to live and work in Ukraine. This ratio indicates that adults more often than children think in terms of attachment to the Motherland, while at the same time hoping that it is here that decent opportunities will open later.
Thus, the visions of the generations do not conflict, but need synchronization: parents expect the country to change for the better, and teenagers are looking for guarantees that they will be able to realize themselves now.
The results of the study testify to the complex and multidimensional state of social consciousness of teenagers. This is not a generation of fear or apathy, but young people who think rationally, pragmatically and deeply. But in order for these young people to connect their future with Ukraine, they need to see not only symbols and slogans, but real support mechanisms, development prospects, access to quality education and a decent life.
