Almost a quarter of a million UK children are unhappy, according to a new report by the University of York and The Children’s Society
The latest Good Childhood report, which examines the state of children’s well-being in the UK, reveals that children’s happiness with life is at its lowest since 2009. It cites issues around boys’ appearance, friendships and school as potential driving factors.
The report finds that nearly one in 12 boys (7.7%) aged 10-15 are unhappy with their appearance. Over 13s were significantly less happy with how they look compared to 10-12 year-olds.
Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the Good Childhood report published by The Children’s Society, said:
“It’s shameful that so many children report being so unhappy and this report should act as a wakeup call to ministers.
“The current Tory government is failing to act. Our children’s health should be a national priority, yet after nine years of austerity, the government’s response to the issue of child health has been piecemeal as it continues to squeeze the NHS and take money from our public health system and schools.
“We would welcome a national measurement of children’s wellbeing – we have committed to introduce a Future Generations Wellbeing Act to prioritise children’s health and wellbeing as a priority for the next Labour government because every child deserves a healthy, happy childhood.
Historically, boys have been happier with their appearance than girls but the report indicates that the gap is narrowing.
School and friends
One in eight children (11.8%) are also unhappy with school, another key wellbeing measure, which is at its lowest since 2009. Evidence from year 10 students (mostly aged 14 and 15) suggested that bullying and not feeling safe at school are among a range of factors linked to low well-being. The research also found links between income poverty and financial strain and unhappiness with school.
Children’s happiness with their friendships is decreasing with 2.8% of children unhappy with their friends. The wider research suggests that this could be down to factors as varied as bullying, being unable to spend time with friends outside of school, excessive social media use and loneliness.
The Good Childhood Report also found a third (33%) of 10-17-year-olds have concerns about whether they will have enough money in the future, with more than a quarter (29%) worrying about having a job.
Children as young as 10 are also worried about broad societal issues. The most common worries among 10 to 17-year-olds were a crime (42%), followed by the environment (41%) and information sharing online (37%).
Worries
Lead author of the report, Gwyther Rees from the Department of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of York, said:
“The fact that children’s well-being is declining is concerning but not entirely surprising.
“This report shows that a large minority (a quarter to a third) of children are worried about their futures – having enough money, finding a job and having a home to live in. Many children also expressed worries about broader issues such as the economy, Brexit, crime and the environment.
“It is vital that we continue to monitor children’s well-being and use this information to find practical ways to improve children’s experience of childhood.”
Listening
Mark Russell, Chief Executive at The Children’s Society, said:
“Modern childhood is a happy and carefree time for most, yet for too many, it is not. It is a national scandal that children’s unhappiness is increasing so quickly.
“Today’s young people are becoming progressively unhappy with their friendships – one of the fundamental building blocks of well-being – as well as appearance and school. Children are also burdened with fears ranging from worrying about the future, not having enough money to not feeling safe at school and bullying. Many young people tell us they feel side-lined and ignored by those in power. The Children’s Society is committed to listening to young people, and working with them to speak up and speak out, to enable every child to thrive not just survive.
“We are urging the Government to introduce a national measurement of children’s well-being so we can really listen, respond and show young people they matter. Together we can build a brighter future and bring optimism and confidence back to being young.”
