[Perception of environmental threats by children and adolescents]

Surveys conducted in Europe and North America over the last 30 years have shown that children and adolescents were particularly worried about the possibilities of nuclear war and unemployment. A study carried out in Montreal among young people of primary or high school level assessed their concerns about the future and inquired about what their priorities would be if they were political leaders. One hundred and twenty young people answered a questionnaire administered by a classmate. Results indicate that worries about environmental issues predominate. In comparison with previous surveys, this study suggests a recent change in the young generation from concerns about nuclear war to worries over ecological problems.