The research for The Good Childhood Report 2012 involved interviewing more than 30,000 children aged eight to 16. Key findings in the report include:
Choice and family have the biggest impact on children’s happiness.
- The quality of children’s relationships with their families is far more important than the structure of the family that they live in.
- Low well-being increases dramatically with age – doubling from the age of 10 (7%) to the age of 15 (14%).
- Children as young as eight are aware of the financial issues their families face. Children in families who have experienced a reduction in income are more likely to have a low sense of well-being.
- Children like to be similar to their friends. Children who have a lot less, or even a lot more pocket money than their friends, have lower levels of well-being.
Priorities for well-being
The research evidence supports the importance of the six priorities the Society identifies for promoting positive well-being for children. Their Promoting positive well-being for children report identifies the following as the priorities for children’s well-being:
- The conditions to learn and develop
- A positive view of themselves and an identity that is respected
- Have enough of what matters
- Positive relationships with family and friends
- A safe and suitable home environment and local area
- Opportunity to take part in positive activities to thrive
UK Youth Chief Executive, Charlotte Hill welcomes the report and points out: “The youth sector has so much to offer, in terms of delivering on those six positive priorities. Across our network, youth groups are providing space for young people to learn and simply ‘be’ together, making a vital contribution to their well-being. Evidence of the need for youth work is increasing at a time when it is coming under great pressure.”
Click here to for more information on The Good Childhood Report 2012 and to download the report.
Click here for more on Promoting positive well-being for children.
