In a revealing annual study, the Oxford University Press (OUP) has declared peace as the children's word of the year for 2025. This decision stems from a comprehensive survey involving close to 5,000 children, aged between six and 14 years old, across the United Kingdom.
Children's Top Choices Reflect Global Concerns
The research indicates that a significant 35 per cent of the young participants selected peace as their preferred word. Following closely behind were AI and resilience, which garnered considerable attention as secondary favourites. Notably, one in ten children explicitly referenced ongoing international conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, as a primary motivation for choosing peace. This highlights how current global events are profoundly influencing the perspectives and vocabulary of the younger generation.
Rising Mentions of Peace in Children's Literature
Further analysis by OUP uncovered a striking trend in children's creative writing. There has been a 60 per cent increase in mentions of peace within stories submitted to the prestigious BBC 500 Words competition since 2015. This surge suggests a growing awareness and emphasis on themes of harmony and conflict resolution in youth expression over the past decade.
'Six-Seven' Emerges as Leading Slang Term
In a separate but related category, children overwhelmingly voted six-seven as their slang word of the year for 2025. This term secured an impressive 47 per cent of the total votes. According to the findings, six-seven is highly valued among peers for its role in promoting inclusivity and fostering social connections within classroom environments and beyond.
Implications for Education and Society
The selection of peace and the popularity of six-seven offer insightful glimpses into the minds of today's youth. These choices not only reflect their concerns about world affairs but also underscore the importance of social bonds and inclusive language in their daily lives. Educators and parents may find these results useful for understanding contemporary childhood experiences and adapting communication strategies accordingly.
Overall, the Oxford University Press's annual report serves as a valuable barometer of linguistic and social trends among children, emphasising a collective yearning for stability and community in an increasingly complex world.
