THE IMPACT OF THE ABSENCE OF FINANCIAL FIDUCATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC STATE SCHOOLS IN ILHÉUS-BA

Abstract

The lack of financial education in public schools leaves a gap in the lives of students reaching adulthood. As a consequence, adults emerge who do not know how to plan and manage their finances effectively. This article sought to understand the profile of students in state public schools in Ilhéus, their level of knowledge, and their perception of how financial literacy could be incorporated into their schooling. The methodology employed involved conducting a literature review and administering a questionnaire, using the Google Forms platform and printed forms, containing 28 single-choice questions. The sample consisted of 201 respondents (3% of the population). Data analysis indicated that the basic profile is of women, aged between 16 and 17 years old, in their final years of school. They do not engage in productive activity, earn between R$ 200 and R$ 500 per month, use the internet and digital accounts, have limited consumption habits due to low income, and lack access to credit lines. Regarding their level of knowledge about basic finance, it is scarce and demands special attention. Although there are public programs that encourage the teaching of basic finance in schools, in practice this has not been happening. Regarding the inclusion of teaching related to the proposed topic, students suggest that a more practical learning strategy be adopted. Based on the results achieved, it was possible to verify that the objectives proposed in this article were achieved.