Five things that are on teenagers' minds in 2025

An increased use of AI for homework, worries about fake news and feeling anxious about exams are just some of the issues that are on teenagers minds, according to the annual BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit survey.

More than a third of those surveyed (38%) said they use their phones for five hours or more in a typical day and an increasing number say they're feeling positive about the future.

The survey of more than 2,000 13-18-year-olds, carried out by Survation, has been running since 2023 and also suggested more than nine out of 10 young people are into gaming. Here are some of the most interesting results.

1. Time spent on tech

Over a third (38%) of participants reported using their phone for five hours or more on a typical day.

This is the first year that they were polled about their gaming habits, and the survey suggested that the vast majority of teenagers (94%) played video games. Just under a third (31%) do so daily or almost daily.

2. The rise of AI seen in schools

Almost half of participants (47%) have used AI to complete homework or coursework in 2025, up from 36% who said they did so in 2024 and 29% in 2023.

3. Familiar reasons for feeling anxious

Over two-thirds (69%) reported feeling anxious at least some of the time. As was the case last year, participants felt most anxious about passing exams/getting good grades and feeling pressure to act a certain way.

4. Greater worry about fake news and misinformation online

In 2025 two-thirds of those surveyed reported feeling concerned about the impact of fake news and misinformation online. That’s a rise of 15 percentage points since last year. The most common reasons given were “difficulty identifying what is a scam”, “what is AI content”, and “conspiracy theories replacing what is established scientific fact”. For more help and advice about understanding what is and isn't misinformation online, go to the Other Side of the Story website.

5. You're feeling more positive about the future

Seventy-nine percent of participants said they are feeling positive about the future. That’s 13 percentage points more than two years ago.

Does this ring true for you or do you have a different point of view? Take our Teen Summit quiz here to see how you compare.

Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed for Teen Summit said they feel anxious at least some of the time. All participants were asked what they feel most anxious about generally. Here is how the results were broken down:

Sixty-three percent of those surveyed reported spending at least three hours on their phone on a typical day, with 38% doing so for five hours or more. However, the majority (71%) said they were not concerned about the amount of time they spent on a smartphone.

If you're unsure about your own phone use then take our quiz to find out what the amount of time you spend on your phone says about you.

Teen Summit suggested that the vast majority (94%) of those surveyed play video games, with just under a third (31%) doing so "daily" or "almost every day". But how much gaming is too much?

You might have heard how unhealthy gaming habits can negatively impact your social, mental and physical wellbeing and it is worth knowing when it’s time to take a break.

But did you know that gaming can also be good for you? We caught up with psychologist and lifelong gamer, Dr Nick Ballou, to discover how you can power-up your brain next time you switch on your console.

Almost half of Teen Summit participants (47%) have used artificial intelligence technology to complete homework or coursework. That’s up from the 36% who reported doing so in 2024 and 29% in 2023.

But are you actually allowed to use this tech in school? As is often the case with AI, it’s complicated.

The Department of Education believes that AI can support young people to achieve at school and college and develop the knowledge and skills you need for life, but ultimately, it’s up to schools and colleges to decide if students can use it. Many schools are warning you not to use AI for homework, and it could get you into trouble.

That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of ‘The AI Educator’, otherwise known as Dan Fitzpatrick, who has pulled together his dos and don’ts when using AI at school or college.

Are you worried about AI?

Of course, AI technology is changing the world beyond the classroom. Teen Summit offered a snapshot of teenagers' thoughts on this. Those who were worried made up 30% of participants. Their main concerns were artificial intelligence taking jobs in the future, leading to more misinformation and reducing human creativity.

Worried about getting good grades?

Over a third of participants felt most anxious about passing exams and getting good grades. It’s important to reach out to a trusted adult for support if your worries about school, exams or revision are getting on top of you.

Of course, BBC Bitesize Study Support is here to help as well, with tips on how to study smarter and take on exams and revision like a pro. And of course, we've got hundreds of Bitesize revision guides to help you out too.

But while exams are important, they’re not everything. You’re so much more than just the grades you achieve. Check out our results day collection, where you can find help and advice on what to do if you don’t get the grades you need.

Looking after your mental health

If you're feeling anxious, you’re not alone. More than a quarter (27%) of teenagers surveyed indicated they had sought help for their mental health or wellbeing from a professional. There is help and support available on issues that affect your wellbeing, although you may feel unsure when and how to ask for it.

You can always turn to Bitesize for support with some issues that affect your wellbeing, from dealing with bullying and peer pressure to how to make friends and manage difficult relationships in secondary school and understanding feelings of anxiety and low mood.

The Bitesize World of Wellbeing podcast is another brilliant source of advice. Influencers Kit Brown and Ami Charlize talk to Dr T and Dr Radha about:

• What is wellbeing?
• Body image
• Fitting in
• What is stress and how to deal with it?
• When life gets in the way
• What is toxic masculinity?
• Friendship fall-out
• Self-esteem
• Worrying
• Getting active
• Self-care

Feeling overwhelmed?

Two-thirds (65%) of 13 to 18-year-olds said they feel overwhelmed or burnt out at least some of the time. If you can relate to this, check out Dr Radha’s top tips for coping and feeling calm.

The Teen Summit survey suggested two-thirds (66%) of participants reported feeling concerned about the impact of fake news and misinformation online. Last year the figure was 51%.

The most common reasons given were “difficulty identifying what is a scam” (43%), knowing “what is AI content” (37%), and “conspiracy theories replacing what is established scientific fact” (29%).

Bitesize’s Other Side of the Story is here to help you navigate fake news and misinformation and be more critical and curious about what you see and share online.

Why not hone your critical thinking skills with a quiz? Find out if you can spot the fake news, AI content or scams.

How do you debunk conspiracy theories?

A conspiracy theory is defined as a belief that a secret but influential group, for example a political party, is controlling events behind the scenes. Half of those surveyed say they’ve encountered conspiracy theories online, but 26% of those who encountered them said they feel confident they can always identify a conspiracy theory, with 61% said they can only do so sometimes.

When reflecting on what's ahead of them 79% of those surveyed said they feel positive about their future. The good vibes are most common among black teens with 94% reporting a positive outlook, compared to 77% of white participants.

Did you know that BBC Bitesize isn’t just here to get you through your exams and revision, but that we’ve also got loads of advice for your next steps with our huge collection of videos on careers and advice about college, Uni and apprenticeships? Head to Bitesize Careers to find out where your favourite subject could take you.

The Teen Summit survey was conducted by Survation, on behalf of BBC Bitesize and 5 Live. More than 2,000 teenagers, aged between 13-18 answered questions about the issues important to them. The results of the survey have helped us to get to know you and the issues that affect you, from your feelings about yourself to those about the world around you.

This survey was conducted by Survation interviewing 2224 teenagers aged 13-18 years old online between 24th June and 1st July 2025.

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.