THE DEBATE ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE

"We are wealthier than fifty years ago but the well-being of children in the UK is rated amongst the lowest in Europe, with our young people experiencing increasing levels of mental health problems – problems that particularly affect disadvantaged people.

There is a climate of fear and confusion surrounding children and young people; pre-occupied with protecting our own children from harm we often fail to reach out to those who need attention most. And all the while our young people are continually subjected to pressure to achieve, behave and consume like adults at an ever earlier stage."

This introduction to the Children’s Society Good Childhood Enquiry highlights some of the concerns that are expressed about childhood today.

These concerns have led to claims that young people now have ‘toxic childhoods’ damaged by the huge technological and cultural changes that have transformed the lifestyle of people in the developed world.

Other views have also been expressed – basically that adults have never understood children and this has always led to confusion and concerns about young people’s lifestyles. Also there is conflicting evidence about childhood today.

In health care there have been massive advances with children, in general, physically healthier than ever before;
young people commit to education and learning in greater numbers;
there is greater assurance of long term wealth and prosperity and materially they have more disposable income and consumer luxuries than any other generation.