FUNKCIONALNA FINANSIJSKA NEPISMENOST KAO FAKTOR RIZIKA ZA RAZVOJ SOCIJALNO NEPRILAGOĐENOG PONAŠANJA KOD ADOLESCENATA
FUNCTIONAL FINANCIAL ILLITERATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIALLY MALADAPTABLE BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS

Summary/Abstract: Modern society poses complex financial challenges to adolescents, while formal education often does not follow these processes. The paper analyzes the level of financial literacy among high school students aged 15 to 18 and examines the connection between the lack of basic economic knowledge and risky forms of behavior. The research focuses on „functional illiteracy”, that is, the (in)ability of young people to understand the real value of money, borrowing mechanisms and long-term consequences of financial decisions. In the theoretical part, the paper sheds light on the connection between a low level of knowledge and a tendency towards games of chance, betting and unrealistic promises of quick money, which represents a specific form of social deviation. Empirical research was conducted by testing knowledge on a sample of high school students, covering the areas of inflation, interest rates and budget management. The results indicate that adolescents overestimate their ownabilities, while in practice they show a high degree of misunderstanding of risk. The paper argues that financial illiteracy is not only an economic, but also a significant pedagogical and social problem. The research points to the importance of the family and the education system in the process of financial socialization. Finally, the conclusion offers guidelines for preventive action through the introduction of practical financial education, which would reduce the vulnerability of young people and prevent them from entering risk zones associated with financial risky behavior and debt.

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