Six to 13 year old children are struggling with a unique set of problems that
are being overlooked or unsupported as they make the transition towards
adolescence warns a new report, Stuck in the middle (pdf, 565kb), launched by
Action for Children today (Monday 19 January 2009). The report is supported by a
new nationwide survey from the charity which reveals that 60% of adults and over
40% of parents with children aged six to 13 are unaware that this age is a
crucial turning point in a child’s life which, if neglected, can lead to
damaging and permanent effects in later life.
The ages six to 13 are identified in today’s report as fundamental to the
emotional and physical development of a child. At this time children are
becoming more independent, spending less time with parents, experiencing
physical changes and developing new relationships. But with these changes come a
host of problems that can hit children hard. By ignoring them, the charity warns
we risk profound effects such as crime, drug and alcohol dependency, mental
health issues or behavioural problems that could stay with children into
adulthood.
Stuck in the middle also highlights the even greater impact these problems
have on the most vulnerable children in our communities, for example disabled
children, young carers, children in care or those in excluded families. In a
unique study, the charity spoke to 165 of our society’s most vulnerable children
in this age range to get an insight into the problems they are facing today.
Results from these excluded and hard to reach children included:
- More than half of vulnerable children had problems controlling their temper
(53%)
- One in four vulnerable children feel lonely (25%)
- Over a third said they had problems with their family (38%)
- Over a third said they had problems being bullied (35%)
- Over a quarter have problems with friends and social life (28%)
Unfortunately, today’s survey of over 2,000 adults and parents from across
the UK concludes that these problems are not exclusive to the most vulnerable
children. Adults and parents across the board feel that childhood today is
littered with many overwhelming challenges:
- More than half of adults believed children have problems: controlling their
temper (52%); with their own family members (53%); and being involved in or
affected by crime (54%)
- Nearly half of adults surveyed think children of this age have difficulties
with drugs and alcohol (48%) and loneliness (41%)
- Over two thirds of adults surveyed think that children would have problems
with bullying (66%)
Launching today’s report, Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for
Children, says: “It’s a major concern that it’s children themselves that are
identifying these serious problems. As a society we understand what
pre-schoolers and teenagers need but six to 13 year olds are being overlooked
and these ages are crucial. At this age children need to be children, they need
to be listened to and their self-esteem and confidence built. If not, it could
lead to darker days for them as adults. Children, and especially the most
vulnerable children, don’t have to be caught in this trap.”
Claire Tyler, Chief Executive of Relate said: “The quality of family and peer
relationships are paramount to the happiness of children as this report shows.
The relationships that children experience at this stage in life will often form
the template for how future relationships are conducted. Parents and schools can
do a lot to improve a child’s quality of life both in the home and through
specialist services'
Following the report Action for Children wants to see the following changes:
- A cross-party 21-year vision for children and young people established in
each of the four nations
- Agencies and professionals working with children and families must do more
to recognise and safeguard the vital role of continuity, commitment and
relationships built on trust in children's lives. Therefore, all children need
at least one trusted adult who is there for them for as long as it takes,
especially at times of transition
- Governments and media across the UK must begin a responsible debate on the
way our young people are perceived and highlight young people's contribution to
communities
The charity will continue its awareness campaign this evening by launching
Dan’s story, a new national advert featuring the experiences of teenager Dan who
revealed that, for him, 10 was the turning point for identifying and solving his
problems: “Back then I wasn’t a great brother or son – I was noisy, obnoxious
and bad tempered when I didn’t get my way. I was a terror really. When I was 10
or 11 years old it started to get worse and I was constantly getting angry. I
was afraid one day I’d leave my parents and something would happen and I
wouldn’t be able to survive.” Action for Children turned Dan’s life around by
being there at a key time and for as long as it takes.
Notes to editors
- ICM interviewed a
random sample of 2,212 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 17 to 21 December
2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been
weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling
Council and abides by its rules.
- The survey results are the findings of a consultation carried out with 165
children and young people supported by the charity
- To view the advert prior to Monday 19 January, please contact the media team
- Case studies and spokespeople available for interview. Filming opportunities
are available and ISDN interviews on 0207 359 1823
- Action for Children is the new name for NCH, the children’s charity, one of
the UK’s leading children’s charities, which was established in 1869
- We work in partnership to run nearly 450 services for more than 170,000 of
the UK’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families. More about
what we do.
