Teenagers nowadays are often thought to just be concerned with less important things like social media, and tend to shy away from more significant activities that can contribute to society. A new study conducted by an evangelical Christian polling firm, the Barna Group, however, sought to correct this misconception.
Most teenagers actively participate in volunteer work at least once every few months, and almost half of them tend to participate in activities organised by their churches, the Barna survey results showed.
The polling firm conducted a survey on 606 parents across the United States, inquiring about the volunteer work their children participate in. The survey found out that 68 percent of American teens join volunteer work at least once every four months.
Specifically, 26 percent of the American parents said their kids volunteered once every few months, while 25 percent said they did this at least once every month. A still impressive number, 17 percent, said they volunteered at least once a week.
Of those actively involved in volunteering, 42 percent of the parents said their children aged 18 years old and younger participate in volunteer work for their churches or ministry. Thirty-five percent meanwhile said their kids help feed the hungry or help the homeless, while 31 percent participate in educational volunteer work.
Similarly, 61 percent of the parents said their young children have participated in a Church service project. From this number, 52 percent said their kids did a day of service at church.
These findings show that contrary to perceptions, teenagers of today consider the church as "central" to volunteering efforts.
"The importance of the church when it comes to volunteering is a testament to the power of local congregations in galvanizing young people to serve their communities and the world," the Barna group said on its website.
The survey also revealed that 60 percent of the parents said their teenage children are more likely to attend church with them than without them.
