In 2009, Search Institute partnered with Best Buy Children’s Foundation to see how many American youth have three key factors—termed “sparks,” “voice,” and “relationships and opportunities”—that are critical to their success and development. The inclusion of sparks in this nationwide study was a monumental step toward making every caring adult aware of their importance.
Unfortunately, Teen Voice 2009 found that less than fifteen percent of teens have all three factors. And while 66% of surveyed teens said that they have at least one spark, less than half report that anyone at school (48%); a coach, mentor, or other youth worker (43%); a religious leader (29%); or a neighbor (16%) encourages their spark. Only 77% of kids with sparks reported that their parents supported their spark, and even fewer (58% and 52%, respectively) said that their friends or grandparents who do. This means that many kids are left to discover and nurture what gives their life meaning and purpose on their own. All of this is disconcerting, especially because the study found that kids who know their sparks show higher levels of initiative, sense of purpose, and desire to make a difference. They are also more likely to value having strong friendships, being civically engaged, and serving others.
To see how teens rated on the Teen Voice and Relationships and Opportunities indexes, and for more detailed results, download the full report below.
This study offers a great deal of evidence showing that there is a great need for parents, teachers, youth workers, and all caring adults to work together to nurture the sparks of our youth. Teen Voice 2009 shows that sparks, voice, and relationships and opportunities are valuable not only to kids, but to society as a whole, because they create civil-minded, prosocial, motivated citizens.
Get more information on Teen Voice 2009 from Search Institute
Download the Teen Voice 2009 research report
Download the press release on study findings
View the results release Webcast from Best Buy’s corporate campus, featuring a panel of adult and youth experts
