A review of financial-literacy education programs for children and adolescents

A. Amagir*, W. Groot, H. Maassen van den Brink, A. Wilschut

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In this systematic literature review, we evaluate the effectiveness of financial-literacy education programs and interventions for children and adolescents. Furthermore, the key characteristics of the design of a successful financial-education curriculum are described. The evidence shows that school-based financial-education programs can improve children’s and adolescents’ financial knowledge and attitudes. Studies that assess the intention to practice good behavior and studies based on self-reported behavior also report positive effects. However, studies that assess the effects of financial education on children’s and adolescent’s actual financial behavior are scarce, and show hardly any effect. A promising method to teach financial literacy to children and adolescents in primary and secondary school is “experiential learning.” In college, the focus should be on specific “life events” of students. The findings may be useful for designing an effective school-based financial education program.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)56-80
Number of pages25
JournalCitizenship, Social and Economics Education
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

JEL classifications

  • i21 - Analysis of Education

Keywords

  • financial literacy
  • pedagogical characteristics
  • review
  • school-based financial education

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