Overview

• A Bertelsmann Stiftung survey of over 1,000 German children aged 10–15 found that social relationships with friends are their top priority, followed by family ties.
• Nine out of ten respondents emphasized the importance of having money for activities with friends, with many using their pocket money for outings and hobbies.
• More than half of the surveyed children view mobile phones and internet access as essential for staying socially connected.
• Nearly half of respondents frequently worry about their family’s financial situation, with experts warning that financial constraints can lead to social exclusion.
• Around half of students expressed dissatisfaction with their limited input in school learning methods and content, highlighting the need for increased student agency.