HKFYG’s Youth Research Centre publishes findings of “International Youth Values Comparative Study 2025”

Summary:

• The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Youth Research Centre today (20 May) published the results of its “International Youth Values Comparative Study 2025.”

• 1,166 Hong Kong youth aged 13 to 29 were surveyed through an online questionnaire from December 2024 to January 2025; their views were then compared to those of their peers from Japan, the US, Germany, France and Sweden in a comparative study.

• The study, modelled after a survey by the Japanese government’s Children and Families Agency, examined youth views on family relations, study, work and social participation.

Key findings:

• Hong Kong youth expressed a lower interest in marriage and childbearing when compared to their foreign peers, with 44.9% and 30.6% leaning against marriage and childbearing, respectively. They also showed a higher uncertainty on the topic, with 19.1% and 32.9% having reservations about marriage and childbearing, respectively.

• They reported a generally positive attitude about themselves and their lives, with higher levels of self-confidence and willingness to engage in new things, compared to their foreign peers. Over 80% are satisfied with their school life and relationships with family and friends, the highest among all young people in the comparative study.

• In terms of social perception, 43.6% tend not to believe that Hong Kong has a bright future, higher than their European and American counterparts. Respondents are most proud of local education (34.5%) and healthcare services (31.4%), and are most concerned about the wealth gap (62.5%) and their opinions not being acted upon (42.3%).

• With regard to social participation, 85% of local youth like their neighbourhoods, higher than in other regions. 50.9% would like to participate in social affairs, yet 66.8% feel that they lack the power to influence government decisions, reflecting a higher sense of powerlessness than young people in all other regions studied.

Recommendations:

• The declining willingness of young people to marry and have children will have profound implications for Hong Kong’s population structure and policy planning in areas such as manpower, economy and housing. The authorities should actively explore the reasons and difficulties behind marriage and childbearing decisions, then provide necessary support and measures to help young people plan more confidently for the future.

• While young people having a high sense of powerlessness is not a situation unique to Hong Kong, their participation is essential for societal continuity. Stakeholders should work together to encourage youth civic engagement, effectively incorporate their voices and opinions, and substantively address the social issues they find most pressing.