The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Youth Research Centre recently published the “International Youth Values Comparative Study”. This study was based on a survey conducted by the Children and Families Agency of the Japanese Government and 1,166 Hong Kong youths aged 13 to 29 were interviewed between December 2024 and January 2025. The study aimed to understand the views of Hong Kong youths on family relations, study and work, and social participation and compared their views with their counterparts from Japan, the USA, Germany, France and Sweden.
of youths preferred not to marry
of youths preferred not to have children
liked the community they lived in
agreed “As an individual, I don't have the power to influence government decisions”
Hong Kong youths were proud of:
- 20% Education
- 20% Health, medical care and child-rehabilitation
- 20% Standard of living
Hong Kong youths were concern of:
- 30% The disparity between the wealthy and the poor
- 30% The opinions of the young are not acted upon
- 30% Politics are not sound
Main Findings
- Local youths’ intention to marry and childbearing was the lowest among all interviewed youths.
Marriage and childbearing are important life decisions. The government and society should explore the considerations and concerns of youths continuously and put forward relevant measures to support youths’ life planning.
- Local youths had high self-confidence and satisfaction with school and work life and relationships with family and friends. They also felt proud of the local education. The resources invested in education and youth development are worthwhile and the government should continue investing in our youth and our future.
Local youths were less optimistic about Hong Kong’s future and showed a lower satisfaction level than European youths. They were concerned about the disparity between the wealthy and the poor and the youths’ opinion not being acted on. All stakeholders should understand the concerns of our youth and address their concerns and needs.
- Most of the local youths liked the community they lived in and more than half of them were willing to participate in social affairs but had a low level of self-efficacy. Relevant stakeholders should use the community as the “bridge” connecting youths and society.