Gun Violence, Homelessness, Mental Health Drive Fear in America’s Youth: Survey – By Susan Milligan (US News) / April 24, 2023
A new survey offers a grim picture of America’s youth. Aside from fears of gun violence or homelessness, mental health remains a problem.
America’s young people are afraid. Very afraid.
Gun violence and worries about finding affordable housing have made youth fearful about getting shot or ending up homeless, according to a comprehensive survey by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, which releases its poll of American youth twice yearly on political and social issues.
Forty percent of 18- to 29-year-old Americans – a generation that grew up participating in active shooter drills from kindergarten on – are concerned about being a victim of gun violence or a mass shooting, the survey found. Further, about a third are concerned about someone close to them becoming a victim of gun violence or a mass shooting.
Homelessness is also a worry for young Americans, with nearly three-fourths (73%) saying homelessness can happen to anyone, and nearly a third (32%) telling IOP pollsters that they are concerned they personally could become homeless one day.
