The back to school season is in full swing and with it comes a wealth of emotions—excitement, stress, nervousness and pride. New research conducted on behalf of Ebates, a leader and pioneer in cash back shopping and subsidiary of the global internet services company Rakuten, revealed how both parents and teens actually feel about going back to school. The survey found that both parents and teens are excited about going back to school (82 percent for parents and 85 percent for teens), but some also worry about bullying (18 percent for parents and 5 percent for teens).
 
The national survey, conducted online by Propeller Insights on behalf of Ebates in June 2017, was fielded among 1,001 adults and 500 teens.  
 
Back to School Excitement and Worries

While parents and teens both agree that going back to school is exciting, they differ on what most excites them. Teens are excited to spend time with their friends (49 percent), learn (17 percent) and start sports (10 percent), while parents are looking forward to their kids learning new subjects (33 percent), having the house to themselves again (18 percent) or having more “me” time (16 percent).
 
Teens also admit that they are most concerned with passing tests and making good grades (74 percent), not having classes with their best friends (49 percent), and learning new material (33 percent).  
 
New Shoes, New Shirt, No Problems

Teen boys and girls reveal that the most important items to have for back to school are new clothes, new shoes and new school gear. They also ranked a new haircut and new makeup as somewhat important.
 
Parents’ opinion’s stack up similarly. They rank as very important: a new haircut, new shoes, new clothes and new school gear
 
Make News Friends, but Keep the Old

Almost one-third of teens say that the most important thing that they wish for on the first day of school is making sure they are in classes with their best friends (31 percent) and getting the classes they want (24 percent). This is followed by:

·        Getting put in an honors class—14 percent

·        Getting to be in a class with their crush—8 percent

·        Getting the teachers they want—5 percent
 
When asked how teens feel about going back to school, 75 percent of teens say that they enjoy it, with 9 percent admitting that they really love it.
 
"The back to school season brings many different emotions, and at Ebates, we want to make the shopping portion of back to school as easy and stress-free as possible,” said Amit Patel, CEO of Ebates. "We understand that staying within budget and choosing the right items are important for teens and parents, and Ebates makes it easier and more affordable than ever to shop for everything you need—no matter where you are.”