The UK has ranked bottom of a league table for children and young people’s well-being across 21 wealthy countries.
The UNICEF ‘report card’ suggests that Britain’s children and young people are worse off when it comes to life chances, risk behaviours, and education - and the UK is doing little to address this. UK Youth believes that more action needs to be taken to counter many of the shocking findings of this report.
“Young people of all backgrounds in Britain must be given the opportunities and support they need. UK Youth has found that out of classroom learning provides this, and really engages young people in building a positive future.” – John Bateman OBE, Chief Executive, UK Youth
The UK is in the bottom third for five out of the six well-being categories in the UNICEF report. In the risk behaviours category, which included drug and alcohol abuse; bullying; violence; and sexual behaviour, the UK was at rock bottom – trailing behind countries with a lower GDP per capita.
UK Youth believes that young people must be given the opportunities and necessary support to realise their potential, and become fulfilled and healthy adults. We can improve young people’s well being and life chances via non-formal education by providing them with youth support networks and chances to develop essential personal and social skills.
“I got confidence, and made new friends, and it’s good knowing I can achieve something.” – Young mother, 17, taking part in UK Youth’s accredited peer education programme.
UK Youth has seen real success stories with young people who are socially excluded or who have fallen out of the education system. Through innovative youth programmes and exciting learning activities, young people’s self esteem and confidence can soar. By breaking down barriers between young people and their peers, quality youth work can combat the report’s suggestion that 40% of children in the UK feel they have no one to talk to about their concerns.
As a result of the report UK Youth calls for greater support and funding for provision for young people, ensuring that positive outcomes of Every Child Matters are met.
For further media assistance (case studies, images, interviews) contact Laura McVeigh, UK Youth at laura@ukyouth.org or on 020 7242 4045 ext.34/07779 617055.
For the UNICEF report in full visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/13_02_07_nn_UNICEF.pdf
