Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are seen as more trustworthy than teachers on global issues such as climate change and poverty, according to a survey carried out by exam board Cambridge International Assessment Education, as part of Global Perspectives Week (1-7 March).
Some 11,000 students aged 13-19 responded around the world, including 800 from the UK.
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Among UK respondents, only 6 per cent cited a teacher as their most trusted source of information about global issues, against 12 per cent who opted for social media.
Both though came far behind campaign organisations or charities, at nearly a third (31 per cent) and the media, mentioned by more than a quarter (17 per cent).
UK respondents were far more concerned about climate change than students elsewhere, with almost half (45 per cent) flagging it as the most important issue facing the world, whereas only just over a quarter (26 per cent) rated it most crucial overall.
Climate change was placed well ahead of poverty and economic equality as concerning.
But while nearly all (99 per cent) of UK students felt it was important to learn about global issues in school, more than a quarter (27 per cent) said they were not given the opportunity to do this.
However, although half (52 per cent) wanted time within their school day to learn about global issues, less than half (45 per cent) take part in class discussions led by a teacher on them.
Peter Monteath, regional director, Europe, at Cambridge Assessment International, which sponsors the week, which offers lessons to help pupils explore global issues, said: “Students are aware of the impact [climate change] could have on their futures and are active in raising awareness of them, so it makes sense that they want to learn about this issue in the classroom, as well as the chance to debate with other students.
“We believe schools should offer this opportunity, helping to direct keen minds to become engaged global citizens who want to find the innovative solutions to the complex problems we face. Instead, 12 per cent rely on social media for their information on global issues.”
