Kids In 1966 Predicted Life In The 2000s, And Some Got It Shockingly Right

From flying cars to robot assistants, imagining the future has always fascinated people. Whether through science fiction, technological innovation, or pure curiosity, humans have long speculated about what life might be like decades into the future. While most predictions come from scientists or adults, some of the most imaginative and surprisingly accurate ideas can come from children.

In 1966, the BBC tapped into that youthful perspective by asking a group of schoolchildren to share their predictions for the year 2000. The students, drawn from Marlborough College, Roedean, and Chippenham schools in the UK, were encouraged to speak openly about their hopes, fears, and expectations for the decades ahead.

Some envisioned a world dominated by robots, where humans might even attend funerals for machines. Others imagined futuristic scenarios like leading artificial intelligence armies from bases on the moon.

One child predicted a “cabbage pill” that could replace entire meals, while another feared that atomic bombs would begin “dropping around the place,” eventually melting the Earth and rendering it uninhabitable. The idea of nuclear destruction came up more than once. One student believed a “madman” would eventually get hold of an atomic bomb and blow the world to pieces.

Thankfully, many of those darker predictions have not come true. However, a few of the children’s ideas turned out to be eerily accurate, offering a fascinating glimpse into the minds of a generation trying to imagine a future that, for them, was still more than thirty years away.

Kids were tasked with predicting the future, and some were eerily accurate

(BBC Archive/YouTube)

The Rise of Factory Farming

One child predicted a future where livestock would no longer roam free but instead be confined indoors: “Sheep and cows and livestock, they will be kept in batteries; they won’t be allowed to graze on pastures; they’ll be kept in buildings all together,” they said.

Decades later, that vision has largely come true. According to data released in 2023, an estimated 99 percent of livestock in the United States were raised in factory farm conditions in 2022. The idea of animals living in tightly confined spaces has sparked growing concern among consumers and animal welfare advocates.

But there are some encouraging signs of change. Humane World for Animals reported that as of last year, 40 percent of egg-laying hens in the U.S. are now cage-free—a significant step toward more humane farming practices.

A Life Run by Machines

Another child expressed skepticism about a tech-driven future, saying, “I don’t think it’s going to be so nice, all machines everywhere; everyone doing everything for you; you’ll get all bored.”

Since 1966, technological advancement has accelerated at a breathtaking pace. We now live in a world of smartphones, smart homes, streaming services, and cloud computing—all powered in part by the lithium-ion battery, invented in the 1980s. While these innovations have transformed how we work, play, and connect, they've also raised questions about the cost of constant digital engagement.

A report from Save the Children UK highlights a potential downside. Today’s youth are 62 percent less likely to climb trees or play outside compared to their grandparents, suggesting that the shift toward screen-based entertainment has also led to a growing disconnect from the natural world.

Even more concerning is the growing age gap between children and the outdoors. According to The Guardian, 42 percent of children in the United States own a smartphone by the age of ten, and that number jumps to an astonishing 91 percent by age fourteen.

New research published this year, as reported by The Telegraph, reveals a clear connection between rising smartphone use and a decline in outdoor play, suggesting that more screen time may be coming at the expense of time spent in nature.

Children's Creativity and Future Predictions

In examining children's predictions, Dr. Angela Duckworth, renowned for her research on grit and perseverance, emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds. She argues that fostering an environment that encourages imaginative thinking can lead to innovative solutions for future societal challenges.

According to her findings, as outlined on her website, children who are permitted to explore ideas freely are more likely to develop resilience and problem-solving skills, essential for navigating complex future scenarios. To enhance this creative process, educators and parents should promote open-ended questions and encourage exploration in everyday settings.

Watch the video:

Automation and Population Growth: A Child’s Concern That Still Resonates

During the 1966 BBC interviews, one thoughtful boy voiced his concerns not about war but about the future of work and the challenges of a growing population.

“I don’t think there is going to be atomic warfare,” he said, “but I think there is going to be all this automation. People are going to be out of work and a great population, and I think something has to be done about it. If I weren’t a biologist, that’s what I’d like to do—try to do something about the population problem, temper it somehow. I don’t know how.”

More than half a century later, his concerns feel strikingly relevant. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the rapid development of artificial intelligence could put up to eight million jobs at risk in the coming years. Research from the London School of Economics further suggests that nearly 47 percent of existing careers may eventually be automated.

On the population front, the numbers tell a dramatic story. In 1966, the U.S. population was estimated at around 196 million. Today, that number has grown to approximately 347 million—a significant increase by any measure.

Yet globally, the population curve is beginning to flatten. According to UN News, the average number of children born per woman has dropped by about one since 1990. In fact, the current global fertility rate is less than half of what it was in 1963, signaling a significant demographic shift that future generations will continue to navigate.

A Shift to Apartment Living

One girl predicted that by the 2000s, traditional two-up-two-down houses would no longer be the norm. Due to limited space, she imagined people would be "piled on top of one another" in tall apartment blocks instead of living in standalone homes.

In some places, her prediction has proven to be remarkably accurate. In New York City, for example, only 9.2% of homes are detached single-unit houses. In contrast, nearly half (48.4%) of the city's residential buildings consist of 20 or more units.

While this trend isn't universal across all cities, it's clear that in densely populated urban areas, high-rise apartment living has become far more common than traditional housing. And for that little girl in 1966, her vision of the future wasn’t too far off the mark.

Dr. Howard Gardner, a prominent developmental psychologist, highlights the significance of multiple intelligences in understanding children's futuristic visions. He notes that children often use their unique perspectives to envision possibilities that adults might overlook, such as advancements in technology or social structures.

This approach aligns with Gardner's theory, which encourages recognizing diverse cognitive strengths. By integrating activities that tap into various intelligences—be it linguistic, logical, or spatial—parents and educators can cultivate a holistic environment that nurtures children's inherent creativity, ultimately enhancing their capacity for innovative thinking.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

Reflecting on the predictions made by children in 1966, it's evident that their creative foresight offers valuable lessons for today's society. As Dr. Ken Robinson, an advocate for transforming education, emphasizes, fostering a culture of creativity is essential for preparing future generations. He argues that traditional educational methods often stifle imaginative thinking, which is crucial for innovation.

By encouraging children to express their ideas freely and promoting critical thinking, we not only honor their insights but also equip them with the tools necessary for addressing the challenges of tomorrow. This approach could lead to a more adaptive and resilient society.