Children would make the world a better place by banning homework, helping those in need more, and taking better care of the planet.Vicky Duncan12:14, 14 Aug 2026A poll of 1,000 six to 16-year-olds found 42% would introduce longer playtimes, build more parks and playgrounds (43%), and make everyone happier by giving them more rest time (37%). More than eight in 10 children (83%) think we should have more time for drawing, making and inventing things as it would make people happier.‌Another eight in 10 (83%) said if they were in charge instead of grown-ups, they would make it their mission to help others more. More than nine in 10 (92%) feel it’s important to make sure nobody feels left out or alone – so would include everyone in games (31%) and sit with people who are lonely (34%).‌‌A spokesperson for the creative play and stationery experts, Maped Helix UK, which commissioned the research, said: “Kids have the most fascinating imaginations, filled with care and compassion, but also plenty of honesty.“What’s so heart-warming from this research is just how instinctively children want to look after each other – whether that’s helping someone in need, making sure nobody feels left out, or simply putting more time aside for play and creativity.“It really shows that, at their core, children aren’t thinking about big, complicated fixes – they just want a kinder, happier world where everyone feels included.”‌The study also showed if children saw someone being picked on, they’d tell an adult (46%), help them or stand by them (37%) or ask someone else to help (10%).When asked what is the kindest thing to do when someone feels sad or lonely, 31% said talk to them, 28% would make them laugh and 19% would ask them to join in on what they are doing.‌While just 14% of the kids polled via OnePoll.com thought grown-ups always listen to children’s good ideas, exactly three-quarters admitted adults did listen – sometimes. However, nearly one in 10 (8%) of the youngsters said adults never listened at all.Playing with friends (66%), doing something fun with family (61%) and getting a treat or something special (55%) were the top three things to make their day really great. But laughter was not far behind since nearly half (49%) said this would make their day.When it comes to who can make the world better 43% said children were best for the job although the most popular answer (70%) was ‘everyone working together’. The ‘people who make the rules’ only came in at 34%, indicating kids think they’d do a better job of it.‌Of the 1,000 parents also polled 85% said their child’s outlook on the world was positive.While 88% agreed kids today care about improving the world, 42% said their child often talks about the positive things they’d do and 78% reckon their improvements would be better and are more imaginative than those of adults.‌Mostly, parents said their kids just want to make everyone happier (44%).Nearly nine in 10 parents (88%) said their child is creative and 94% said free time is important for their happiness.The top three things they felt would make the biggest difference to their young one’s happiness would be less academic pressure (39%), more outdoor time and more opportunities to get creative.Article continues belowThe spokesperson for Maped Helix said: “The findings highlight just how positive and thoughtful children are about the future.“It’s a powerful reminder that when children are given the space to share their ideas and get hands on, their creative minds and outlook is not only optimistic, but genuinely inspiring.”Top 10 things kids would do to make the world a better placeHelp people in need moreNo homeworkTake care of the planetBuild more parks and playgroundsLonger playtimesMore time to restHave animals visit schoolMore time to play sportSit with people who are lonely(Jointly) Include everyone in games / have days just to do arts and crafts