Global Youth: Differences Between American & Canadian Millennials

A recent study conducted by market research firm Ipsos examined the values and lifestyles of North American youth aged 10-34 found both shared cultural similarities and marked differences between Canadian and American youth.

The study, A Check-up on the Habits and Values of North America’s Young Adults, found that health care, education and employment matters were rated as the top three issues in both countries.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key points from both parts of the study on North American youth.

Lifestyle & Values

• In the United States, 39%,of the 18-34 year-old set are married compared to only 25% in Canada;

• The number of domestic partnerships in Canada is significantly higher (18% vs. 7%);

• 45% of Americans were more likely to report "owning" their home compared to those living in Canada (35%);

• 19% of Americans traveled to a vacation destination that was out of country compared to 48% of Canadian respondents;

• 64% of this group in the US versus 62% in Canada reported being employed on a full-time or part-time basis or were self-employed.

Education

• 76% of Canadians between the ages of 18-34 have at least some college or post-secondary education compared to 68% of Americans in the same age range;

• 17% of Canadians in the group reported being full-time students compared to 13% of Americans;

Social Media, TV, Mobile & Technology Usage

• Americans sending and receiving an average of 129.6 text messages per week;

• Canadian average of 78.7 messages per week;

• Americans reported watching an average of 5.9 hours of TV per weekday;

• Canadians watched 4.8 hours of TV per weekday;

• 81% of Canadians are on Facebook compared to only 57% in the U.S.; 

• Americans averaged 28 hours per week on the Internet, compared to 27 hours by Canadians;

• Americans are more into MySpace, 54% having registered compared to 23% in Canada.