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Kids can't cope, lack etiquette: Scouts Canada survey reveals worrying results

Scout Canada’s recent survey uncovered surprisingly negative opinions of the soft skills, social ability and future-ready status of those aged 10 to 21
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NEWS RELEASE
SCOUTS CANADA
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Scouts Canada (the country’s leading co-ed youth organization) is standing up for kids from coast to coast across Canada that may be ‘underestimated.’ Scout’s recent survey of 1000 random Canadians uncovered surprisingly negative opinions of the soft skills, social ability and future-ready status of Canadian kids aged 10 to 21. Scouts Canada says, ‘We should never, ever count out the potential of Canadian kids.’

A. Survey highlights: 

  • A combined 34.3% (over a third) of Canadians are NOT confident that the kids aged 10-21 in their lives will be able to get jobs in the future and be successful adults.
  • 74.7% of Canadians believe that Gen X (1965-1976), Millennial (1977-1995) and Generation Z (1996-2010) parents have been ‘too soft’ on their kids aged 10-21.
  • A combined definitive total of 91.2% of Canadians are concerned about kids aged 10-21 having no ‘soft skills.’
  • Canadians say the top skills kids aged 10-21 do not have are stress coping skills, basic etiquette, problem solving and the ability to say thank you.
  • Asked what are the biggest dangers to kids today, Canadians said: social media channels, screens and lack of development, social/peer pressure, video games and helicopter parenting.
  • A combined 94.7% of Canadians believe that kids aged 10-21 have suffered a disadvantage from growing up during COVID.

    “No one should ever be counting out the potential of Canadian kids,” said Kathryn Ashby, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Scouts Canada. “We all know that the current cohort of Canada’s 10–21-year-olds have had unique challenges with COVID shutdowns and an increasingly isolating digital world, but Canadians seem to be massively underestimating the resilience and potential of our kids. Kids just need the right experiences and mentors to bring out their confidence.  

B. So, what can we do about it?

Just in time for the holiday season, at a competitive cost of $270.00, for a one-year membership in Scouts Canada (compared to other youth organizations and sports programs), kids aged 5-25 can gain new skills, find new confidence, have adventures, forge friendships, engage creativity and learn leadership skills that will last them a lifetime and greatly accelerate their soft skills and leadership capabilities. Scouts Canada also ignites curiosity, fosters innovation, and improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
 
“Canadian parents and caregivers already know that kids need exposure to leadership opportunities, mentorship, and comradery to develop critical soft skills … and that Scouts Canada is the best place to get them,” added Ashby. “That's why we have a waiting list as we work to bring these programs to kids across Canada.”

Registrations can be made online at https://www.myscouts.ca/ca/join. The 2025 Scouting year runs from January 1st, 2025, to December 3rd, 2025.

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