I think the problem is that so many youngsters (and I include people in their 20s and even 30s) have little or no interest in any sort of history, and often are not even bothered about what is going on in the "news" today.
My daughter is 26 and is not stupid, but she never reads a newspaper, never watches the TV news, and rarely reads a book (one or two novels a year - I dont think she has ever read a factual book). I think this is very common amongst many teenagers and 20 somethings.
I think many youngsters have got out of the habit of reading anything written down on paper (newspapers and books etc).
However she loves using a computer, and has a smartphone, but lives in the "now" generation, where they are more interested in what is happening on Facebook (or other web sites) with their friends.
So her knowledge of history (even recent history) is scant, and she has no interest at all in "older" history.
They also watch films like Pearl Harbour or Saving Private Ryan and have no idea these are based around real events. I have watched many films that have encouraged me to get a book and read more on the subject, but I am not sure many youngsters today do that.
I am not picking on my daughter, only using her as an example, as I am sure there are many many thousands of youngsters like her.
p.s. And before anyone complains, I am not saying ALL teenagers and 20 somethings are like this, but I think it is very common.