We’ve heard about the mid-life crisis but have you heard about a “quarter-life” crisis that teens and young adults are experiencing?

According to data from the first RBC Kids Optimism Survey, youth aged 18 to 21 are significantly less happy, less optimistic, less excited about their future, and are less likely to say the things they do in their daily life are worthwhile compared to kids aged 10 to 17. Just 57 per cent of these young adults feel they can achieve anything they want, and only 59 per cent say they frequently smile, much less often than teens aged 14 to 17 (78 per cent).

I find the results of this survey upsetting. Although Canadian kids are optimistic overall, a dramatic shift in attitudes, behaviours and beliefs occurs as teens reach early-adulthood and the realities of life set-in.

While most Canadian kids would describe themselves as happy, a dramatic decline occurs in the late-teen years. Most boys aged 14 to 17 report being happy (81 per cent), which drops 18 points to just 63 per cent among those aged 18 to 21 compared to 69 per cent of girls in the same age range.

While 95 per cent of teens aged 14 to 17 say they’re satisfied with their life, satisfaction dips to 82 per cent among those aged 18 to 21, and 79 per cent among those aged 22 to 25.

Top worries among both genders include money (68 per cent), things happening in the world (66 per cent), getting or having a job (63 per cent), knowing what career to pursue (57 per cent) and their parents (50 per cent).

For more than half (51 per cent) of Canadian kids, the opinions of mentors play an important role in how they feel, think and behave. And while majority of Canadians aged 10-25 say that they are interested in learning new things (89 per cent), many lack confidence that they have the life skills needed for a successful future.

It’s good news then that RBC announced $2.86 million in funding to 109 community-based after school programs across Canada through the RBC After School Project. These include programs for inner-city children and Aboriginal kids that teach school and life skills through activities such as computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring, music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and homework help.

The RBC Kids Pledge is a $100 million commitment over five years to help one million kids and youth across Canada. These funds will go towards a range of programs supporting the well-being of kids and youth, including the RBC After School Project, RBC Learn to Play Project and the RBC Children’s Mental Health Project.

RBC and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced a three-year $8.2-million commitment to the RBC Learn to Play Project  to help children build the confidence and competence they need to participate in sport, allowing them to become healthy, happy and active for life.

The RBC Kids Optimism Survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid from October 20 to November 3. For the survey, a sample of 2,387 youth aged 10 to 25 was interviewed online, via the Ipsos I-Say panel.