Background Information:

The programme explores what ten teenagers from diverse backgrounds and locations think, feel and do in striving to meet their own and other's expectations, while coping with other challenges in their lives. The themes that emerge were informed by the research described below.

The survey
One thousand young people aged between 14 and 19 were interviewed in their own homes and also asked to fill in an anonymous self-completion questionnaire to encourage honesty on sensitive subjects such as sexual activity. The survey was conducted by 2CV, specialists in market research for this age group.

Complex times, complex lives
In the past, fear of failure, worry about money and getting stressed about work were more usually adult concerns, but for many young people in this survey these were key issues. More said they would choose a well-paid job over free time. The trend for young people to be forced to grow up more quickly and become more self-reliant was very apparent. Lifestyle issues around sex, drugs and alcohol, relationships with parents and others, and future earning power are key concerns along with anxiety about body image, personal safety and coping with school work and career choices.

Ever-changing families
Increasingly, teens grow up as the children of single parents, living with stepbrothers and stepsisters in a complex web of complicated circumstances that they have to cope with and manage. Fathers are frequently not present and home life can often be clouded by divorce. Increasingly, young people can find themselves having to provide emotional support and care for a lone parent, and many have a parent they don't see. Decline of traditional family units, and religion, can mean potential support from these networks is no longer available.

Under pressure
Experiencing adulthood earlier, drinking and taking drugs earlier, carrying weapons for protection and early sexual experimentation appear to have taken their toll on some teens in the sample, leading to addictions, mental health problems and medical conditions associated with body image. For some, the result is aggressive, selfish personalities and behaviour.

Sexual mores and relationships
In spite of the pressures young people are under, the researchers found an optimistic generation, open with each other about what is going on behind closed doors. Sexually aware and sexually adventurous, they tended to think marriage wasn’t important and were very cynical about the longevity of love.

Ambitious futures
Career choice appears to place exceptional demands on young people. Many in the sample had huge personal ambitions. They felt they were in control of their own destiny and if they didn’t succeed, it was no one’s fault but their own. Money and consumer power appear very important.

Social inclusion
Analysis of the survey by social class showed that teens from lower income families regarded jobs, education and marriage as less significant markers of social success than those from wealthier families. Confidence and aspiration were also shown to be affected by economic background. A far greater percentage from wealthier families felt they could realise their ambition compared with those from lower income families.