Although significant improvements are being made, Consumer Council research shows that levels of consumer knowledge, skills and confidence tend to be less well developed among children and young people.
Our research found:
- Young people aged 15 – 24 were the least well informed about their consumer rights (57 per cent compared with an average of 63 per cent);
- Young people were the least likely to take action even if they felt they had genuine cause for complaint (55 per cent); and
- When young people had taken further action they were least likely to be satisfied with the outcome[1].
For this reason, empowering young consumers with the skills they need to make informed choices remains a priority group for the Consumer Council.
For many years we ran schools’ competitions for post-primary (Young Consumers Competition) and primary (Schools’ Poster Competition). However, we are now focussing on developing events and materials specifically for teachers to give them the tools and confidence they need to deliver consumer skills in the classroom. This new approach also reflects positive changes to the GCSE and A’ Level Home Economics specifications which strengthen the consumer issues content.
In this section you will find:
- Tried and tested lesson plans covering a wide range of consumer topics;
- A link where you can submit a lesson plan that you feel will benefit other teachers;
- Consumer Career Profiles featuring individuals working in different consumer related fields. The profiles provide inspiration for pupils and students studying topics with a consumer focus so that they can see where their studies might eventually lead;
- An overview of some of our key resources for teachers, youth workers and those working in the community and voluntary sector; and
- Information about upcoming events.
[1]Well, what do consumers know now? A Consumer Council Progress Report on Consumer Proficiency 2003 – 2007, March 2008
