Going into the General Election on Wednesday, a new U-Report poll conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica has revealed that young people across the island are grappling with serious concerns about their future, with many expressing uncertainty about job prospects, housing affordability, and their role in shaping the nation’s direction.

The poll, which ran between August 8 to 29, 2025, engaged more than 500 youths aged 15–30 years, with a 90% response rate. The findings offer a compelling snapshot of the realities faced by Jamaica’s youth and will be shared with stakeholders to inform youth-centred policies.

Key Findings

Among the top concerns for young people, 37% say finding a better job is their biggest concern, followed by cost of living at 28%, mental health, 10% and crime and violence 8%.

In terms of job confidence, nearly half or 48% are not confident they will find a good job in Jamaica, while 38% feel somewhat confident. Forty-seven per cent of the respondents feel that their education or training has somewhat prepared them for the world of work.

For housing, 62% believe affordable housing is out of reach, while 34% believe it is tough but possible. Sixty per cent (60%) of the respondents feel somewhat safe in their community, while 26% feel very safe and 12% do not feel safe.  

When asked about skipping meals because they do not have enough money, 29% of respondents said they often skip meals, while 38% said they sometimes skip meals. In comparison, 18% reported that they rarely skip meals and 14% said they have never skipped meals for this reason. 

Forty-two per cent (42%) said they are not sure if they see a future for themselves in Jamaica, while 35% said they do. When asked if they would migrate if given the chance, a striking 71% said they would.

In terms of political engagement, while 66% are registered to vote, only 30% are very likely to vote, sharing that they want to exercise their constitutional right. “I have always voted because I see it as my civic duty and want to have an actionable voice in the political process,” said a 24-year-old male U-Reporter in the open-ended responses.

A female 18-year-old U-Reporter said, “It is my right and I will have a say in how my government is run. If I don’t cast a ballot, I have no say in what is to come in the future. Plenty Jamaicans don’t vote and then argue about the outcome as if theirs didn’t matter.”

Thirty-six per cent were not likely to vote, citing distrust and disillusionment with the political system. According to a 25-year-old female U-Reporter, “Why vote when both parties promise change, but neither delivers? They only do the bare minimum when it’s near election time, and not throughout the years.” This demonstrates the need to keep building trust among the youth population.  

For those not registered to vote, which was 19%, when asked why not, they cited either disinterest in voting, distrust in political parties or logistical barriers with the electoral process.

When asked the most important change they want leaders to make for young people like them, 38% of U-Reporters said that they want leaders to reduce the cost of living, while 33% said they want the creation of more jobs/better paying jobs, followed by 12% wanting leaders to provide more quality education.

In light of the results of the U-Report poll, UNICEF urges policymakers to:

• Expand youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes.
• Improve access to affordable housing for young people.
• Strengthen mental health and community safety initiatives.
• Foster civic education and strengthen trust in democratic institutions.