This year, as part of their annual Teens and Screens study, The Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) surveyed 1,644 adolescents, ages 10 to 24, from across the U.S. about their personal priorities. CSS asked them to rate the importance of 14 goals — ranging from “being kind to others” to “being famous.” The findings are both surprising and eye-opening: contrary to common stereotypes, today’s youth are focused not on fame or fortune, but on personal safety and kindness. 

Here’s the full ranking of goals, from most to least important, based on adolescents’ responses:

This survey is part of CSS’s regular Teen Snapshot series, which are quick pulses on young people’s media tastes, interests, and opinions about current events. Learn more here.