New survey by Benenson Strategy Group also found majority of parents support race discussions in school, oppose government decisions related to curriculum
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As school starts, children may be excited but apprehensive about returning after two years that have been far from normal. Parents too have a wealth of back-to-school concerns and opinions on everything from gun violence in school to what's being taught in the classrooms, as revealed in a new survey of 1,000 parents by Benenson Strategy Group (BSG).
Parents Fear School Shootings, Cyberbullying
Safety is a prevailing concern among parents, particularly with mass school shootings and other student threats becoming more commonplace. Sixty one percent of parents said they are worried that there will be a shooting at their child's school. More than half also fear the threats that their kids may have to navigate online, with 55% worried that their child will be cyberbullied, trolled or harassed, and 51% concerned that their child will be approached by a groomer.
Broad Concern about Hateful Content
The fomenting of bias or hate, especially against racial minorities and women, is also weighing heavily on parents. The survey found they are most concerned about their child being exposed to content that is racist or discriminatory (58%) and sexist or misogynistic (53%), although a sizable minority (43%) also worries about content that is homophobic or anti-LGBTQ+. Parents of Color, Democrats, dads, parents living in urban areas and parents with higher household incomes are the most concerned about their children's exposure to discriminatory, hateful content.
Parties Agree Democratic Responsibility Is Vital for Children
Parents overwhelmingly feel that participation in our democracy is a vital responsibility for their children. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) agree that their child has a responsibility to be a well-informed, engaged citizen in our democracy. This belief is shared equally among parents who identify as Democrats and Republicans (92% of both parties agrees), and to a slightly less degree by Independents (78%). Additionally, the majority of parents believe schools should foster early political involvement, with more than seven in 10 saying there should be opportunities for their child to be politically active and engaged in school.
More Worried About Extremist Content from the Left than the Right
Collectively, parents are worried about extremism and radicalization. A majority of all parents worry that their child will be exposed to content that is politically extreme (53%), and nearly half worry about content that will radicalize their child's political beliefs or outlook (48%). More parents worry about their child being exposed to content that promotes extreme political correctness or 'wokeness' (48%) than content that promotes a far-right ideology or Christian nationalism (39%).
Though parents are concerned about exposure to extremist views, they are not necessarily talking with their children about these issues. Only 29% have talked with their child about conspiracy theories or fake news, and just 22% have talked with their child about radicalization and extremist groups online.
Book Ban Backlash
Recent efforts to ban books from schools' curricula have divided parents and educators, but BSG's survey reveals the movement may be having the opposite of its intended effect. If their child's school banned a book, more than twice as many parents (42%) said they would encourage their child to read it anyway as would ensure their child did not read it (16%); 43% said such a ban would make no difference.
Parents for Free Speech Around Race, Against Government's Involvement in Curriculum
The majority of parents do not want to limit free speech when it comes to race and racism. In fact, 63% of those surveyed said they are much more worried about laws limiting the discussions of race and racism in the classroom than they are about having them.
When it comes to who makes decisions about what's taught in the classroom, parents feel as if they and teachers know best and few want government involved. Sixty percent said they, as parents and caregivers, should decide what their children learn in school today, while 59% said teachers should. Less than half say those decisions should fall to school administrators or the school board, while only 20% want their state government and 14% want the federal government to decide.
Debt Viewed as Barrier to Higher Ed
Student debt is a ubiquitous concern among parents, and rightfully so. Nine out of 10 said it's important that their child does not accumulate student debt, including 58% who say it's very important. Current economic conditions may contribute to this viewpoint, with 60% of parents saying that rising prices mean they can't put away as much for their child's education as they might like.
BSG's full study report—which also reveals what parents views on mental health, addiction, Covid and other pressing issues—can be downloaded here on the BSG website.
Methodology
Benenson Strategy Group conducted 1,001 online interviews with parents who have kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. The survey was fielded from August 16–24, 2022. The data was weighted to reflect U.S. Census data to ensure an accurate demographic representation.
About Benenson Strategy Group
Benenson Strategy Group (BSG) is a strategic research consultancy that marries language expertise with innovative research to frame choices that help clients win in the most challenging, competitive situations. Advising global corporations, political leaders and institutions in dynamic, competitive scenarios, Benenson Strategy Group has earned a reputation for expertise in the rhythm and nuances of language and words, and the underlying dynamics of consumer and political choices. Founded in 2000, BSG's headquarters are in New York. For more information, please visit http://www.bsgco.com
Media Contact
Rebecca Scanlan, Benenson Strategy Group, 1 303-733-0328, [email protected]
SOURCE Benenson Strategy Group
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