BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize will bring together an audience of 50 teenagers for the 2026 BBC Teen Summit, broadcasting live from Newcastle upon Tyne all day today (20 October.)
As young people navigate a rapidly changing world, a new survey for 5 Live and BBC Bitesize indicates many teenagers are concerned about their future job prospects, the growing influence of AI, and the impact of online life.
The results will form the basis of the BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize Teen Summit, a live broadcast hosted by Nicky Campbell, putting teenagers’ experiences, concerns and ambitions at the centre of the conversation. Broadcasting live from a college in Newcastle from 9am to 11am, the programme will bring together 50 young people from the Northeast of England to discuss the issues shaping their lives and futures, from education and employment to social media, wellbeing and AI.
The online survey by polling company Survation for Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize of over 2,000 young people aged 13-18 across the UK, suggests that teenagers are focused on their future employment prospects, with almost half (46%) saying they would consider leaving the UK for better job opportunities.
The survey also provides insight into their attitudes towards education and work. More than a third (35%) of teenagers said they believe university is not worth the cost, while almost half (48%) said they would like a part-time job but do not currently have one.
Many highlighted a desire for more practical support to prepare for working life with 44% wanting greater access to work experience opportunities, 43% seeking more guidance on managing finances, and 42% wanting more support with job applications. The survey also indicates that 54% of 13-18-year-olds have never undertaken unpaid work experience.
The results suggest that artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life for young people. For the first time, half of teenagers (51%) said they have used AI for homework or coursework, compared with 29% when Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize asked the question in 2023.
While 60% said they use AI overall, opinions remain mixed. More than a quarter (28%) are worried about AI, most commonly because of concerns about its impact on future jobs, closely followed by reduced human creativity, while 39% think AI tools should be banned for under-16s.
Social media is also expected to be another major focus of the summit. 81% of teenagers said they believe young people will try to find ways around the proposed social media ban for under-16s, although nearly half – 46% – support recent government restrictions.
The research also indicates the prevalence of harmful content online. More than half of teenagers (58%) say they have encountered dangerous challenge content, racist content (57%) and sexist content (55%) on social media. Almost a third (32%) report seeing pornographic content online, while 44% say they have seen extreme violence.
More than half of teenagers (53%) believe bullying is common in their school or college, while 37% cite exams and achieving good grades as their main source of anxiety.
Among girls, the results indicate additional concerns around safety and wellbeing. More than a quarter said they had experienced sexual harassment at school, while 44% say they do not feel safe walking alone, compared with 23% of boys.
Other scheduled highlights on 5 Live today include a snapshot into the lives of four teenagers from Newcastle, exploring what they believe schools should teach to better prepare young people for the world of work. As part of the feature, they will interview their work placement employer, a teacher, and former contestants from The Traitors, Jessie and Faraaz, discussing their career journeys and the paths that led them to where they are today.
Listeners will also hear from special guests across the day, including the youngest co-winner of the BBC series Race Across the World, Alfie Watts, who will join 5 Live Breakfast to share how he has built his career. Meanwhile, Jordan Schwarzenberger, co-founder of Arcade Media and manager of YouTube stars The Sidemen, will join 5 Live Drive to discuss how young people today are creating their own opportunities, building businesses, and forging successful careers on their own terms.
Richard Maddock, head of BBC 5 Live, said: “The findings from this year’s survey provide a valuable insight into both the opportunities and challenges facing young people today – from concerns about careers and the impact of AI, to questions around social media and wellbeing. The Teen Summit gives them the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives directly, helping to shape an important national conversation. We’re proud to bring together young people in the North East of England and put their voices at the heart of BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage.”
Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, added: “Young people should feel optimistic about their futures and have access to the support they need to make informed choices. It’s clear that teenagers are facing an overwhelming range of challenges from pressures at school to concerns about their safety and wellbeing. At BBC Bitesize, we’re here to help young people and their families navigate these challenges, offering free, trusted advice on everything from careers and education to online safety and mental wellbeing.”
