A trusted adult to quiet the noise for young people
Many of us picture family, decorations and presents around the tree when we think of the winter break. But for some young people it is a very different story. It can be a lonely and overwhelming time, especially with the added pressure of social media too. Our latest Good Childhood Report showed that 9% of children had low wellbeing. Often all they need is a trusted adult to speak to. A person to rely on when life gets too much. Someone to help quiet the noise. Here, we look at the difference they can make to young people’s wellbeing and why we're calling on the Government to make sure every child has access to one.
A helping hand
A helping hand
Was there an adult you could rely on growing up? Somebody you could confide in. Someone you could turn to for advice. It might have been a parent, a sports coach or a youth worker. Whoever it was, they are likely to have had a lasting impact on your life. These people are often referred to as a trusted adult. They are chosen by the young person as a safe figure that listens without judgment, agenda or expectation, but with the sole purpose of supporting and encouraging positivity within a young person’s life.
However, there are far too many young people that don’t have a role model like this in their lives. Without someone like this it can be hard to know how to navigate life's many difficult situations. In fact, more than half of UK teenagers say the festive season feels overwhelming. Social media, school deadlines, and family expectations all add to the pressure. That is why we believe every child deserves a chosen trusted adult they can turn to.
More support needed
Our Good Childhood report shows young people overwhelmingly feel they need better support from adults. They want more help with their wellbeing, school, belonging in the community, and knowing how to deal with the pressures children face online today. They told us they often didn’t feel like they were listened to or taken seriously. They feel that there is a growing disconnect between adult and children and that needs to change. What really stood out was their desire to be heard by people in positions of power.
Each year, we are seeing the same alarming headlines. Thousands of youth centres across the country are being closed and this is having a lasting effect on teenagers. They are left isolated and without advice or safe spaces to go to make friends and take part in activities. The sense of community many towns and villages once had is slowly being eroded. We are also seeing a rise in exploitation and knife crime.
We spoke to our practitioners who said they could see a decline in communities taking responsibility for children’s wellbeing. They raised concerns that young people are being isolated from safe adults and spaces that would traditionally have supported them through their childhood.
What we are calling for
What we are calling for
We are calling on the Government to ensure every young person has access to a trusted adult of their choosing. Someone who really gets them and they feel comfortable and safe with. These adults need to be trained and aware of how to tackle the different issues young people face today. We want this guarantee to be monitored by young people and captured in a national wellbeing measurement programme.
We need your voice. Please add your name to our open letter.
Anthony's story
The support helped me to feel accepted as who I am. It helped me to not just mask behind something or be really quiet. It allowed me to stop trying to fit in somewhere where I didn't belong, like a jigsaw piece that wouldn’t fit.
- Anthony, 17.
Will you help a child quiet the noise this Christmas?
Getting the right support at the right time can stop problems spiralling out of control. But, right now, millions of teenagers are feeling totally overwhelmed by the noise they face every day.
Please donate now. Your gift could help a young person like Anthony to quiet the noise – and find their peace this Christmas.
Author: Edward Herbert
