Ipsos Education Monitor 2026
Education still matters. Confidence in the future is less certain.
Hello,
Will today's young people have more opportunities than the generations before them?
Our latest global study, Education Monitor 2026, explores public attitudes towards education, technology and the challenges facing young people across 31 countries.
The findings reveal societies that remain committed to the idea of progress through education, but are increasingly divided in their confidence about what the future holds.
Inside the report, we explore:
- The growing distinction between ‘good tech’ and ‘bad tech’: Support for banning social media for children has increased in almost every country since 2024, but support for banning AI in schools remains much more muted.
- The enduring appeal of higher education: Despite ongoing debates about costs and student debt, people in 29 of 31 countries are more likely to recommend university before entering the workplace.
- A global optimism gap: People in many emerging economies show more confidence that young people will enjoy bright futures than many developed Western economies, where people are markedly more pessimistic.
- Concerns about opportunity at home: Six in ten believe young people would have better opportunities abroad, particularly in countries where economic concerns are most acute.
For brands, policymakers and educators, this raises an important question: if greater prosperity and technological progress do not automatically create confidence in the future, what will?
We'd be delighted to discuss the implications for your organisation.
Best regards,
Christine Tresignie,
Global Head of Public Affairs, Ipsos
Christine.Tresignie(@)ipsos.com
