 they don’t have adequate savings due to poor debt management. Likewise, financial illiteracy is the main reason 

 saying they aren’t confident managing money. And globally speaking, a mere 

 surveyed in 2014 had a good grasp of money matters, with 24% only having basic knowledge. Poor understanding has a knock-on effect on the take-up of financial services. 

 are more likely to have lower financial awareness and hence avoid risk altogether, while a high proportion of people in developing countries 

 – the stigma attached to being bad with money – banks are to blame too. Hidden charges and high fees result in negative relationships with customers, with only 27% of Americans having confidence in banks. As they wake up to this damaging lack of trust, established brands and challengers alike are keen to present a friendlier face. Goldman Sachs introduced 

, its new retail arm striving to be straightforward and transparent. Mobile banking start-up Starling doesn’t charge fees either, and sends real-time spending alerts. However, when it comes to financial advice, only 4% of people use automated services – like 

 – with 75% preferring to have the small print explained to them 

Even as consumer finance regulations loosen, people in America are still apprehensive about how to choose the right financial product. Canvas8 surveyed 3,300 Americans and spoke to 20 people across the US to figure out how people get the financial information they need.

How do Americans feel about consumer finance?

Although 64% of Americans say that money is a source of stress, the perception of banks as greedy and uncaring makes it difficult for them to connect with customers who could use their support. So, how can the sector as a whole help those who are prone to spending more than they can save?

How can banks help poor savers and rash spenders?

Young Democrats distressed by Donald Trump's re-election have turned to ‘doom spending’ as a salve and are sharing their hauls on TikTok. The trend signals a yearning for control and comfort amid unpredictability, with people seeking immediate emotional relief through consumerism.

US Gen Zers are doom-spending to cope with Trump win

As Australia inches towards a cashless future, some are pushing back, citing concerns about budgeting, inequality, and security. From generational divides to fears of financial exclusion, this monetary tug-of-war reveals deeper issues about financial control in a rapidly digitising world.

Why going cashless is proving divisive in Australia

India's gig economy is booming, with the number of gig workers nationwide set to reach 23.5 million by 2030. However, due to the uncertainty of this income stream, most people remain cautious of their finances. How can brands harness tech and education to bolster a sense of financial security?

How Indians are managing money amid the rise of AI

Japanese households once again cut spending in September due to inflation and a weak yen pushing up living costs. As people continue to face financial anxiety, there is a burgeoning demand for budget-friendly brands, while many workers are also seeking a better work-life balance.

Japanese households further cut spending as costs rise

More than half of Australians consider the country’s income distribution to be unfair, and satisfaction with democracy is on the decline nationwide. Faith in traditional institutions is wavering globally, leading some people to turn towards anti-establishment voices for solutions.

Australians report decreased satisfaction with democracy

The consequences of teen gambling addiction are being brought to life in a Korean short film. Once thought of as an adult crisis, easy access to online gambling platforms has led to addicts skewing younger, prompting conversations about whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.

Ad campaign highlights Korea’s teen gambling epidemic

South Koreans love to spend. But what happens when the country faces a financial crisis? With many people steeped in debt, younger generations are now being forced to downsize their purchases and miss out on major life milestones. How can brands help them fight against economic headwinds?

How South Koreans save while staying aspirational

Puig exceeded expectations with its Q3 earnings, bolstered by fragrance and skincare sales and demand in the EMEA region and Americas. As brands within luxury ponder whether to ‘go high’ or 'go low', Puig is opting for an enticing strategy – ‘go niche’ to stand out in a turbulent market.

Puig courts niche audiences within luxury

Some disillusioned workers in France are travelling out of the city to work the soil – but only for a few days a week. Seeking both meaning in life and financial stability, these workers are contributing to the popularity of multi-hyphenate careers spanning both urban and rural environments.

French seek meaning and money through part-time farming

Uncertain economic conditions are causing inflation to hike up insurance costs and premiums. In response, Aussie consumers want tech-informed policies and products aligned with the current financial situation. What does this mean? Accessible and affordable coverage.

Why Australians want insurance to reflect their real-life needs

How has Fintech changed the way Germans approach money management? How is the rise of spirituality and diverse belief systems changing the religious landscape? And why is marriage on the decline? This Cultural Snapshot of Germany in 2024 explores the key behavioural shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany: 2024 - 2025

Car buyers in Germany are showing muted demand for electric cars as the cost and quality of EVs fail to meet their needs. Countries recognise the need for an urgent transition towards a greener future, but balancing the competing needs of people and brands is an uphill battle.

Fewer German car buyers are opting for electric vehicles

Banks and financial institutions in Australia have spent the last decade competing with each other by improving their customer experience and providing seamless online transactions. With the dramatic rise of fraud and scams in the country, is it time to put some of that friction back?

Can payment friction combat Australia’s online fraud?

A Mastercard campaign aims to boost autism acceptance in Singapore, sharing stories and driving inclusion in everyday spaces. As people choose to back brands that reflect their values and take steps toward inclusion, this ad highlights how brands can connect through intentional storytelling.

Mastercard spotlights autism and hidden disabilities 

Research shows that over half of London-based workers earning less than a 'real living wage' have had to turn to food banks in 2023/24. As the UK's economy begins to recover, wide disparities across economic groups are persisting, leaving many in need of additional support.

Lowest paid Londoners are turning to food banks 

Thousands of celebrity deepfakes are flooding the web, targeting would-be investors with crypto scams. As people look to the fractured digital space as an authoritative source of information and open-source AI models bring deepfakes to the fore, the scam signals a new frontier for disinformation.

Elon Musk deepfake scam stokes disinformation fears

Kyoto is partnering with e-gift firm Giftee on a 'Donate & Go' service, making it easier for tourists to contribute to regional efforts by giving half the donation back as e-money for local use. This maintains heritage, tackles over-tourism, and supports local businesses without reducing visitors.

Kyoto tackles over-tourism with e-gifts for tourists

The last decade has seen an explosion of fintech companies in Africa attempting to bank the unbanked but none have been as successful as OPay. How exactly have OPay’s efforts to drive financial inclusion turned it into the country’s biggest fintech success story?

How OPay serves Nigeria’s financially underserved entrepreneurs

Perceived financial pressures are making people more frugal and favour adverse. Some of this stress could be related to money dysmorphia, an exaggerated insecurity about one's finances. Brands can help by reassuring people and focusing on things that are more important than money.

Frugality in friendship: a growing issue for Gen Z and Y

Service provider Optus is doubling down on its commitment to the Australian small business community with its new campaign. As many owners struggle with the economic challenges of running a small business, the company shows an empathetic understanding and provides tangible support. 

Optus goes 'All In' on supporting Australian SMEs

A new campaign by Australian Unity reflects the challenge of balancing work and life through multiple life stages, improving representation and services for older Australians. The campaign highlights an opportunity for brands to consider the evolving health needs of older shoppers.

Australian Unity spotlights balance throughout life

Latin American SMEs, key to the region's economy, face limited access to credit and complex regulations but many are leveraging fintech, digital connectivity, and new educational models to drive growth. Can they unlock their full potential and spark a local economic renaissance?

What do Latin American SMEs need to thrive?

As the luxury sector takes a hit, the UK branch of Bulgari announced losses in 2023 due to economic instability and reduced tourism. With financial concerns worsening, trends like #underconsumptioncore and 'affordable luxury' rise, offering leverage for smaller, cheaper, and stylish alternatives.




Smaller brands may emerge as Bulgari UK struggles

Indian Gen Zers are preparing for an uncertain economic future by changing the way they manage their money. They prioritise value, are more entrepreneurial, and have more open discussions about finances. They want to enjoy life now while securing their future, making careful spending decisions that reflect both prudence and aspiration.

How is India’s Gen Z changing the way they earn and spend money?

Gen Yers and Zers in India are building financial independence by establishing various (mostly passive) income streams like investments, content creation, and freelancing. This is their solution to economic uncertainty, but how can brands help them in their quest to gain control over their finances?

How varied income streams give Indians economic certainty

What happens after the US election? How should brands navigate a hyper-politicised landscape? And where will the new opportunities emerge in an unstable political environment? In the 2025 US Macro Expert Outlook, Adam Berinsky explores what the US will look like in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on the USA

South Korean digital payments platform Naver Pay has launched a feature that allows users to raise a digital pet and earn points while doing so. As more Koreans embrace gamified e-commerce, brands are exploring more innovative mechanisms to keep people emotionally engaged.

Naver Pay levels up gamification with virtual pets

As the economy strengthens and Americans' financial sentiments improve, the 'vibecession' – where people feel pessimistic about money matters – is slowly lifting. But does this increased confidence stem from financial strategies and lifestyle hacks that are frowned upon by wider society?

American money dysmorphia is slowly dissipating  

By tokenizing assets such as stocks, bonds, and gold, Swarm Markets aims to enable investors to trade more efficiently and cost-effectively. How could this technology revolutionize how professional and retail traders access different assets by providing them with a better experience? 

Why Swarm Markets uses tokenization to empower traders

What if you could unlock your hotel room, get into a concert, collect loyalty points, and prove your ID just by tapping your phone? It could all soon be possible for the UK’s critical spenders thanks to an announcement in August that Apple is opening up its tap-to-pay tech to third-party developers.

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds spending loyalty for Britons

Will AI regulation in finance curb innovation? What might help protect people from financial fraud? How will new pricing regulations impact shopper confidence? In this part of the 2025 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about where financial behaviours are headed next year.

2025 Expert Outlook on Money

With the rise of cryptocurrency, AI-driven fraud, and an evolving regulatory landscape, innovative detection methods and regulatory technology (RegTech) firms that leverage new technologies, like ComplyAdvantage, can disrupt the fintech space in Australia. What is the future of this industry?

How ComplyAdvantage eases Aussie concerns about fraud

Despite some Gen Zers wanting to cut back on non-essentials due to rising living costs and eco concerns, many are willing to concede on their budgeting for events. For brands, this represents an opportunity for IRL reach and impact during moments when people are most open to indulging.

Gen Z forego budget-conscious mindsets for live events

Healthcare technology company Zelis has debuted an out-of-network payments solution to help plan members navigate medical bills in a convenient and accessible way. The service acknowledges challenges around paying for medical care, addressing pain points around affordability and transparency. 

Zelis removes barriers around medical payments

Audio manufacturers Bang & Olufsen have released a line of future-proof headphones with modular components designed for easy repair and replacement. As eco-concerns converge with more critical spending habits, perspectives on sustainability are shifting to centre durability and slower consumption

Bang & Olufsen centre durability with modular headphones

Visa has announced an initiative to help boost consumer protection when people pay bills by bank transfer. As concerns over financial fraud with digital and online banking increase, the enhanced security measures are set to give consumers greater control and protection over how they pay.

Visa to launch enhanced consumer payment protections

A combination of responsibilities for their children and aging parents and economic challenges mean Gen Xers are feeling financially unprepared for retirement. Many are considering moving in with their kids to make ends meet and may need help broaching these conversations.

Gen X ‘Silver Squatters’ feel unprepared for retirement

More than half of US parents report needing financial assistance to buy the technology their kids need for their education, a worrying statistic as the back-to-school season kicks off. As tech becomes more essential in schools, parents seek reliable and affordable products for their kids.

US parents face financial barriers in buying tech for kids

How are UK cities engaging their inhabitants in city life? Where do city dwellers go for fun, and to spend their money? And what challenges are people in cities facing in 2024? This Urban Cultural Snapshot blends data and expert insight to illuminate contemporary behaviours in UK cities.

A Cultural Snapshot of the urban UK 2024 - 2025

M&S’s back-to-school campaign, ‘School Happens,’ captures the everyday chaos of school life. By focusing on the durability of its uniforms, M&S taps into parents’ focus on quality and value, offering a relatable take on what kids – and their clothing – really go through during the school year.

M&S shows durability and value in back to school spot

What does life in the UK look like outside of cities? Why is wild swimming a lifeline for community? What's next for UK localism? This snapshot explores the behavioural shifts and norms of those living in rural communities up and down the UK in 2024.

UK Cultural Snapshot: Rural Behaviours 2024 - 2025

Gen Zers are becoming landlords in increasing numbers as property investment grows as a side hustle for ambitious young Britons. As traditional career paths fracture, young people are looking for alternative ways to make ends meet, looking for passive income to allow them to pursue their passions.

Buy-to-let culture builds British Gen Z's passive income

Inspired by the success of brands, Lidl launched a limited edition set of GBP 20 ($26.4) mystery boxes for shoppers in the UK. Each box contained items usually found in the retailer’s notoriously eclectic middle aisle worth over GBP 100 ($132.2), meeting desires for thrifty indulgence.

Lidl’s middle aisle mystery boxes promote cheap splurges

As the older half of Gen Xers approach retirement age, many are without adequate pension funds to leave the workforce. As this group navigates a myriad of financial pressures, there’s an opportunity for brands to better support the needs of an often overlooked generation.

Retirement is becoming a distant dream for US Gen Xers

TikTok finance influencers have found popularity among Gen Z by doling out advice on how to get rich quickly. With economic insecurity fuelling widespread anxiety among this group, young people are increasingly turning to alternative sources of authority for ways to circumvent a broken system.

‘Hustle bro’ influencers sell financial freedom to Gen Z

Indians are increasingly drawn to exclusivity, customisation, and status when it comes to their gadgets, opening doors for high-end phones and specialised services. Leading this shift in the country are brands like Apple and Samsung, which are considered luxury products.

How are phones transforming into personal assets for Indians?

Stables is at the forefront of digital payment innovation, bridging traditional finance and the stablecoin market. By pioneering new ways to integrate and simplify digital assets, it taps into Australia’s growing adoption of digital transactions, making stablecoin a seamless part of finances.

How Stables drives crypto inclusion in Australia

Teens are turning to summer jobs again in increasing numbers, reversing a decades-long decline. The cost of living crisis is pushing Gen Z to look for short-term work during the season. As teens look to get an early start on their careers, employers have an opportunity to attract young talent.

Cost of living crisis spikes Gen Z summer job growth

Axis Bank has joined hands with Visa to launch Primus, a premier credit card for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). As luxury appetites mature, affluent Indians will expect brands to offer insider, bespoke products and services that centre on one-of-a-kind experiences.

Axis Bank unlocks VIP experiences for India’s UHNWIs

As Americans struggle to make ends meet, credit card balances are skyrocketing, with young spenders falling into delinquency at higher rates. While an inflationary economy has eased, many young Americans are still struggling to keep afloat and risking their economic future to do so.

Young Americans fall behind on credit card payments

In 2024, Australians will navigate the balance between their deeply held values and economic realities. While their decisions mirror their desire for societal change, the cost of living crisis has shifted priorities. How do these dual realities shape people’s lives and decisions amid trying times?

A Cultural Snapshot of Australia: 2024

The price and rigidity of healthcare payments present a major barrier to Americans getting the support they need. Acknowledging the challenges around payment plans, PayZen enables people to pay their healthcare costs in installments either before or after they receive the treatment.

PayZen adds flexibility to American healthcare bills

’Tis the season to gift, browse, and shop. Aussies haven’t lost any appetite for the Christmas season as a majority of the country continues to celebrate despite rising costs of living, spending most of their time and money with family. How can brands tap into the country’s holiday spirit?

How are Aussies shopping for Christmas?

Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ have launched a scam prevention campaign featuring American crime drama series CHiPs. The ad reimagines the series to resonate with older audiences, who are typically targeted by scammers, providing them with the tools and confidence to protect themselves from fraud.

ANZ campaign prompts Boomers to watch out for scammers

Expedia, Wells Fargo and Mastercard have unveiled two new co-branded credit cards offering enhanced benefits for U.S. travelers. As people continue to prioritise experiences over material goods, they're seeking more holistic loyalty programs that integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles.

Expedia travel credit card rewards everyday spenders

Credit Karma reports that US Gen Zers continue to be influenced by social media when it comes to overconsumption, but they’re also resisting the allure of influencer-driven purchases. As brands navigate these tensions, there’s an opportunity to invest in non-paid UGC to drive long-lasting loyalty.

Young Americans fight back against overconsumption

Everyone knows that Gen Zers are a digitally savvy bunch – but not all banks seem to have caught up yet. With the majority of this cohort now in adulthood and ready to open a flurry of accounts with financial services providers, how can brands win them over and satisfy their need for convenience?

What are Gen Zers looking for in a bank account?

After a three-year wait, Revolut has received a UK banking licence (with restrictions) from the sector regulator. Digital banks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, meeting audience expectations for convenience, personalisation, and accessibility, whereas legacy banks are lagging behind.

New licence puts Revolut in revamped challenger position

Venmo, the American mobile payment service, has achieved cultural clout and a dedicated following among US Gen Y and Zers thanks to its novel approach in making it fun to send money between friends. What does its rise in popularity say about how people's money management skills are shifting?

How Venmo became the go-to payment provider for US youth

Pret a Manger has announced the end of its coffee subscription programme. The service offered its subscribers nearly unlimited coffee for a monthly fee. As people look to cut costs, they’re looking to give their loyalty to brands that help them save money on daily splurges.

Pret a Manger shutters popular subscription service

Indian fintech startup Jupiter is refashioning banking in India at breakneck speed. With its live expense tracking, easy investment channels and smart saving tools, Jupiter takes on the role of a financial partner to Indian Gen Y and Z. But how did it make its name in the sacred space of banking?

How Jupiter simplifies money management for Gen Y Indians

With youth unemployment at an all-time high and forecasts for Chinese GDP indicating a continued slowdown, young people are saving in an attempt to take control. In contrast to global trends, China’s youth are shirking impulsive purchases and setting extreme saving challenges on social media.

Chinese Gen Z are ‘revenge saving’ for economic security

Despite being seen as high-tech, Japan has been slow to adopt fintech solutions. The country ranks among the top in APAC that are slow to embrace cashless payments. However, this situation may soon change as Olive tailors its app and all-in-one card to promote cashless living in Japan.

How Olive manages Japanese people’s cashless confidence

Belong is a new savings app targeting UK Gen Yers who feel priced out of the housing market. It wants to help them find new approaches to building their personal wealth, but how can their strategies help to boost people’s financial outlook in the long term?

How Belong helps Gen Y Brits build long-term wealth

Gen Zers are driving membership in big-box stores like the Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, pointing to changing money-saving behaviors among young Americans. As belts continue to tighten, young people are investing in cost-cutting memberships to afford daily indulgences.




Cost-conscious Gen Zers flock to Sam's Club

Money

L’Oréal’s three-year partnership with the Louvre will kick off with an immersive beauty-inspired tour. The collaboration speaks to desires on both sides to emphasise the links between art and beauty, highlighting an opportunity for the alignment between cultural and personal aesthetics.

L’Oréal x Louvre partnership combines beauty and art

A course on Beyoncé's cultural impact is set to launch at Yale University in spring 2025. Addressing the growing demand for non-linear career paths, the program aims to showcase how people from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to navigate a fraught climate of gender, race, and identity.

Yale course amplifies Beyoncé's global cultural impact 

California schools are increasingly offering vegan meals due to student demand and climate concerns. This aligns with efforts to reduce emissions and allows young people to take control of their futures through their dietary choices while learning about food production and sustainable efforts.

American schools increasingly opt for meat-free lunches 

Buddy.ai's virtual tutor offers lessons to children in English and other subjects. As parents look for innovative and accessible ways to help educate their kids at home, this app highlights how generative AI – which is quickly becoming a norm for younger generations – can lend a hand.

Buddy.ai gamifies everyday learning for young students

Schools in England and Wales are tackling absenteeism with innovative measures like therapy dogs, wellness centres, and personalised support systems. These methods aim to create supportive environments that address students' mental health, engage families, and make schools more inviting.

UK schools are luring pupils in with dogs and prizes

A university in Ireland now offers a bachelor's degree in content creation and social media. Addressing the growing demand for influencer careers, the program aims to equip students with the practical skills and psychological tools to navigate the challenging realities of the creator economy.

Influencer university degree launches in Ireland

As part of its Self-Esteem Project, Dove is joining hands with kids’ YouTube channel Blippi to promote a healthy body image among preschoolers. Gen Alpha’s beauty anxieties are taking root even before the tween years, and brands have an opportunity to instill body-positive attitudes from day one.

Dove taps Blippi to help Gen Alpha build body confidence

Asda has partnered with Colgate to provide free dental kits to schools in some of the most deprived areas of the UK, providing support to kids who face barriers to accessing dental care. It's an example of how brands are taking greater action to tackle health inequities in underserved communities. 

Asda and Colgate promote dental health in schools

A school for adults in Hokkaido, inspired by Danish educational institutions, is attracting people of all ages to engage in self-reflection and personal growth. As trust in traditional institutions wanes, this trend signals the need for brands to consider alternative pathways in learning.

Adult ‘School for Life’ gains popularity in Japan

Fintech start-up Fizz has revamped its money app, which empowers US students to manage their money with confidence. While there’s no shortage of finance apps aimed at Gen Z, it’s zeroing in on college students’ unique financial mindsets and challenges to achieve meaningful personalization.

Fizz helps college students achieve financial wellness

More young Americans are embracing vocational trades, but both presidential candidates face challenges in mobilizing this untapped voting bloc. Gen Zers aren’t a homogeneous group, and more concerted efforts are needed to reach those who feel unrepresented by the political mainstream.

Gen Z blue-collar workers alienated from election buzz

In collaboration with baseball star and brand ambassador Ohtani Shohei, Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched the Dream Miles Pass, which helps young Japanese gain overseas experiences. Faced with a bleak outlook, Gen Yers and Zers are looking to brands as sources of hope and support.

Japan Airlines enables youth to turn dreams into reality

A significant amount of American LGBTQ+ students attend schools with policies that actively discriminate against them, according to a new study. Despite growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ lifestyles, many young people still face official discrimination as culture war issues continue to deepen.

LGBTQ+ students face increasing discrimination at school

The charitable organization has commenced its annual Game to Change the World campaign aimed at Gen Alpha fundraisers. Gaming has become a pivotal tool in Gen Alpha’s sense-making practices, and young audiences will be expecting more than just immersion when it comes to virtual activations.

Comic Relief US nurtures Gen Alpha changemakers

Penguin has unveiled a book vending machine for students in Scotland. Spotlighting diverse writers like Salman Rushdie and Toni Morrison, the initiative ensures young readers can access and appreciate diverse narratives, pushing a shift towards a more representative literary landscape in the UK.

Book vending machine boosts diverse education in the UK

An emerging wave of content creators is drawing attention to ‘unschooling’, a flexible education system that rejects the standard syllabus. After significant pandemic learning losses, Gen Alpha's education remains a topic of concern, and parents are seeking alternative learning methods.  

‘Unschooling’ influencers promote flexible learning

Spotify has recently expanded its UK offer, introducing video-based courses for users. Initially focusing on music production, the platform has now broadened its educational content to include AI, recognising the growing importance of the technology in today's digital landscape.

Spotify AI video courses democratise AI education

The youngest members of Australia’s workforce face challenges as they find ways to make a path for themselves amid a cost of living crisis. As they navigate a competitive job market, they are unafraid to break down long-standing norms to find career options that suit their goals and preferences.

What’s driving Gen Z careers in Australia?

With the cost of childcare stretching holiday budgets, many British parents are having to rethink traditional summer fun and find alternative ways of getting a break. With financial challenges for parents ongoing, brands have an opportunity to rewrite traditional rituals with cost front of mind.

UK parents rethink summer fun amid high living costs

Primark is freezing prices for select back-to-school basics at 2021 levels to help parents with the financial challenges they face at the start of term. With people looking for tangible support during the cost of living crisis, price freezes are a smart strategy for brands to show they care.

Primark is freezing back-to-school prices at 2021 levels

Indianapolis Public Schools will support US parents with Back to School Nights, a space to meet teachers and pick up school supplies. The move recognizes how urgent it is to support caregivers from underserved communities, alleviate financial burdens, and ease overstretched wallets.

IPS Back to School Nights support stretched parents 

Indian Edtech juggernaut Vedantu offers services such as preparation for competitive exams and traditional academic disciplines. Bridging the gap associated with rural India’s internet infrastructure, the brand is implementing hybrid learning approaches that blend online and offline education.

How Vedantu rethinks hybrid learning for Indian students

In a time of Australian financial insecurity, disadvantaged communities need more help than ever. Why are brands pledging their support to organisations like The Smith Family, and how can it encourage a giving culture in Australia, especially among those from younger generations?

How The Smith Family draws the line in Australia's youth poverty

Ongoing inflationary pressures are set to dampen back-to-school spending in the US as parents take a restrained approach to consumption ahead of the new school year. Families are prioritizing value, and they look to brands that can help ease the pressure of back-to-school spending.

Financial strain squeezes US back-to-school spending

Eton has joined a growing number of UK schools in banning smartphones for incoming students. The move aims to mitigate the negative impacts of smartphones, such as sleep deprivation, cyberbullying, low self-esteem, and anxiety, while also safeguarding adolescents and supporting focus in class.

Eton bans smartphones in a bid to protect students

Gay and lesbian parents are facing discrimination at their children’s schools, according to a recent survey, pointing to a stubborn rift in British society. While young people are more tolerant than older generations, young parents are looking for help in normalising parenthood for queer couples.

LGBTQ+ parents face discrimination in schools 

The back-to-school shop puts both financial and emotional pressure on cash-strapped busy families during the summer months as household bills loom large. With the cost-of-living crisis in full swing, what can brands do to help parents and carers smooth the experience of this essential shop?

What do parents want from back-to-school shopping?

Dutch telecoms company KPN – in partnership with Dentsu Creative Amsterdam – has won the Creative Strategy Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. The company has achieved widespread success in educating young people on the harm that the online sharing of intimate photos can enact on people’s lives.

KPN wins at Cannes Lions with 'A Piece of Me' campaign

Droves of China’s graduates are getting ready for a season of highly competitive and often disheartening hunting for white-collar office jobs.  Ele.me’s campaign is designed to deeply resonate with them by broadening their professional horizons and soothing anxieties about their futures.

Ele.me soothes career anxieties among Chinese graduates

In Africa, there’s a desire to adopt digital literacy and improve technical skills to keep up with the rising demand for tech jobs. By offering innovative educational solutions, platforms such as AltSchool Africa are closing the digital skills gap and equipping Africa’s workforce for the future.

How AltSchool impacts digital education in Africa

Education

People feel paralysed by financial illiteracy

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