Parents nervous as teenagers eye up ‘unstable’ tech and inventive profession roles
Many young people are now gravitating toward tech-driven or creative roles and parents are wary
A recent study has shown a growing generational divide regarding career aspirations – this is particularly heightened between teens and their parents.
The report highlights an increasing trend of youngsters eyeing careers in the tech and creative sectors, areas that many of their parents are unfamiliar with.
While mums and dads tend to favour more traditional professions such as teaching or law, kids are getting hyped about entering the digital world with roles like video game developing, software engineering, and content creating topping their job wish lists.
The findings revealed three-quarters of 11 to 17 year olds say that being online has actually broadened their horizons to new career options. Despite this, the survey found 67% of parents voiced concerns over these particular job paths, branding them as “unstable career choices.”
Compiled by EE, the research aims to encourage young people to follow their passions. An EE spokespeople said: “We are on a mission to help parents and their children connect the dots between their teen’s curiosities and their next steps.”
Championing the cause, EE has buddied up with BAFTA to offer teenagers a real-world glimpses into the world of creative roles.
They are jointly launching a campaign, Set the Stage, which calls on teens aged 15 to 17 to apply for a chance to take on crew roles in storytelling, production, and directing for a short film set to be released in 2026.
BAFTA-nominated actress Daisy Edgar-Jones and an award-winning crew will mentor the budding filmmakers, assisting them in bringing their stories to life.
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Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE, an award-winning broadcaster and 2024 BAFTA Fellowship honoree, spoke about the programme, highlighting the changing nature of career success.
“Growing up with phones isn’t easy,” she said, “but when teens are consuming social content, playing video games, and exploring the arts, they gain many creative skills.”
“It’s important to connect these skills to future opportunities and encourage the next generation to explore their interests in filmmaking.”
The survey did reveal some surprising points of agreement: 84% of parents recognise that their children have developed valuable soft skills, such as creativity, socialising, and empathy, through gaming, social media, and digital platforms.
They also believe their kids have gained valuable ‘hard skills’ through engaging with technology, including coding, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
A spokesperson for EE said: “Whether their interests lie in makeup, fashion, performance, or production, we want to inspire the next generation to follow their passions, explore their curiosities, and transform them into meaningful careers.”
The deadline for applications is 25th April 2025.
TOP 10 CAREERS, ACCORDING TO KIDS AGED 11 TO 17:
- Video game designer or tester
- Software developer
- Teacher or tutor
- Content creator/streamer (e.g., YouTuber, TikTok influencer)
- Graphic designer
- Entrepreneur or small business owner
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Artist
- Professional athlete
- Lawyer or legal assistant
