The Future Speaks: Youth Awareness and the Fight against Microplastics

Abstract

Introduction: Microplastics, small plastic particles resulting from product use and environmental degradation, pose a growing threat to ecosystems and human health. Despite rising scientific concern, public awareness especially among adolescents remains limited. Adolescents are a crucial demographic for environmental education, with the potential to influence future environmental sustainability. Objectives: This study aimed to assess adolescents' knowledge of microplastics and examine how this knowledge varies by Socio demographics characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 13–18 years from both urban and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, India, between January and March 2025. A stratified random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire on sociodemographic information and microplastic knowledge. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis. Results: The mean knowledge score was 11.8 out of 20, indicating moderate awareness. Higher knowledge levels were observed among female students, urban residents, private school attendees, and adolescents with more educated or higher-income parents. Statistically significant associations were found between knowledge scores and key socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: The findings suggest disparities in microplastic awareness based on socio-demographic characteristics. These results highlight the need for targeted, inclusive, and demographically sensitive educational interventions to enhance environmental literacy among adolescents.