Most adolescents content, OECD shows

According to new research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), teenagers who feel part of a school community and enjoy good relations with their parents and teachers are more likely to perform better academically and lead happier lives.

Students’ Well-Being: PISA 2015 Results surveyed 540,000 students in 72 participating countries and economies. The study analysed students’ motivation to perform well in school, their relationships with peers and teachers, their home life, and how they spend their time outside of school.  

On average across OECD countries, 59 per cent of students reported they often worry that taking a test will be difficult, and 66 per cent reported feeling stressed about poor grades. Some 55 per cent of students said they are very anxious for a test even if they are well prepared. The survey also found that across all countries, girls reported greater schoolwork-related anxiety than boys; and anxiety about schoolwork, homework and tests is negatively related to performance.
 
The report highlighted that students in schools where life satisfaction is above the national average reported a higher level of support from their teacher than students in schools where life satisfaction is below average.

The highest levels of satisfaction were found in the Dominican Republic (8.5), Mexico (8.3) and Costa Rica (8.2), while the Asian countries or economies of Korea (6.4), Hong Kong (6.5), Macau (6.6) and Taiwan (6.6) recorded low levels of satisfaction.
 
The UK came in in 38th place for life satisfaction, behind countries such as Russia (7.8), Bulgaria (7.4) and Estonia (7.5).

Gabriela Ramos, chief of staff, at the OECD, said: “These findings show how teachers, schools and parents can make a real difference to children’s well-being. Together they can help young people develop a sense of control over their future and the resilience they need to be successful in life. There is no secret, you perform better if you feel valued, if you feel well treated, if you are given a hand to succeed!”