Today's kids are living in the shadow of Covid-19. They face challenges and opportunities that most of us never faced when we were growing up.
Let's take a closer look at the unique traits and situations that are defining today's kids.
These stats and findings can provide relevant topics for kids' lessons, parenting classes and more.
A recent report from Kidscreen revealed that...
29% of families are facing financial strain.
27% of kids are struggling with the "new normal."
22% worry about their family.
37% worry about their families' health.
17% worry about their own health.
26% worry about their friends.
30% say their are bored most of the time.
47% are unsure how long they have to stay at home.
Kids ages 6 to 12 describe themselves as...
- depressed or sad - 11%
- stressed or overwhelmed - 10%
- mad or frustrated - 7%
- scared or worried - 6%
Issues kids are concerned about...
- racism
- gender equality
- human rights
Kids miss their friends, but are keeping in touch with...
- phone calls - 38%
- FaceTime - 37%
- texting - 32%
- Zoom calls - 28%
- video game chats - 27%
- social media - 23%
32% of parents say they have grown closer to their children during this pandemic.
15 million were out of school due to the pandemic in the month of April.
3 out of 4 kids around the world are still unable to access remote learning because they live in rural or poor households.
77% of parents took over their child's education through homeschooling.
1 in 4 elementary schools did not implement any digital learning solutions.
37% of parents say they have struggled to find a balance between teaching and working.
How kids are spending their time...
29% - using a camera
27% - playing video games
65% - using a smartphone
82% - watching TV
36% - reading a book
48% - playing outside
11% - hanging out with friends
Top activities families like to do together...
69% - watching TV or movies
67% - cooking and baking
62% - playing video games
61% - playing cards or board games
51% - building things with Legos and models
52% - art crafts and projects
What is selling? Top 3 brands among kids 6 to 12 years old.
YouTube
McDonalds
Oreos
Consumer spending
video games increased by $700 million dollars in the first quarter
skateboards - 107%
arts and craft supplies - 11%
books - 117%
webcams - 116%
activity books - 458%
puzzles - 37%
non-fiction books and school books - 127%
outdoor sports and toys - 27%
keyboards - 62%
This data provides great insight into the lives of the kids of 2020. I would encourage you to take these findings and use it as a guideline as you prepare lessons, activities, games, etc. for both your online kids and kids who are worshiping in person. This list is a great resource for teaching topics, skits, games and other parts of your kids' worship.
Remember...today's kids are not yesterday's kids. Things are much different than when you were a kid. We must be willing to adapt and make changes to be relevant for today's kids.
