Believe in Me – UK report

Date: 17th October 2016
Category: Best interests of the child

New research has found 88% of young people in Britain today say they 'lack confidence and doubt they will succeed in life', prompting a reminder from Barnardo's to parents, carers and adults about the importance of expressing belief in children and young people.

The survey found that young people in the UK feel increasing pressure to perform in all aspects of their lives, but don't necessarily have the support they crave to help them cope. Other findings include:

• 88% of 11-18 year olds saying they lack confidence;
• Only 17% saying they feel confident about the future;
• 65% saying grown-ups are 'not very good' at telling them they believe they can succeed;
• 50% of parents agreeing there's more pressure on young people today than when they were young, while 63% admitted their expectations of children range from high to too high.

Four-thousand secondary school children and parents were surveyed, with the results announced as Barnardo's unveiled their new ten-year strategy to help 300,000 more vulnerable children and their families across the UK.

Barnardo's is also launching a new campaign, called 'Believe in Me', to support the strategy and emphasise the importance of believing in children.

• Find out more about 'Believe in Me' here.