Why is young people’s happiness declining?

Children's wellbeing is getting worse. Our latest Good Childhood Report comes during a cost-of-living crisis, with COVID still lingering and the impact of global events such as the war in Ukraine ever present. Our findings reveal that children were significantly less happy with their friends, appearance, and school in 2019-20 than they were a decade ago. We asked young people what they thought about these trends. Here’s what they had to say.

10 October 2022

Study struggles

Our Good Childhood Report found in 2022 that more children are unhappy with school than with any other aspect of their life. We asked young people why they thought this might be.

During a group chat some young people told us they didn’t feel listened to by teachers. Whether it was trouble at home or bullying in school, there wasn’t anyone to turn to.

Kevin said ‘They say come forward if you need any help. But when you do that they aren’t happy. So, it's a lose-lose situation for everyone.’

Justine felt similarly: 'If a teacher asks you whether you are okay, you basically have to pretend because you know they won’t do anything about it.’

However, Tanya argued ‘How are teachers supposed to know how you feel? They can’t read minds. They aren’t psychologists, why should they know how to help you?’

Is homework helping?

Young people told us homework plays a big part in their unhappiness with school. The amount they get can be overwhelming and it often feels unrelated to work in the classroom.

Matthew explained ‘There’s too many expectations on doing schoolwork. The amount we get can impact our mental health and family problems.

‘It also doesn't take into consideration what is going on outside of school for us.

If you don’t do it, you’re punished.

‘We are not getting the effects we want from homework because it doesn't seem to have anything to do with our exams. I think homework needs a rebrand.’

I see people getting called ugly. It makes them down I see people getting called ugly. It makes them down

Unattainable beauty

Young people told us they were concerned about the decade long trend in unhappiness with appearance.

While TV and magazines have always put pressure on young people to look a certain way, social media has taken things up a notch.

Julia made the point that ‘Now we have phones. Platforms like Instagram have algorithms that make it easier to go down a rabbit hole.

‘You might search diet, culture and or fitness. You will immediately be surrounded by pretty girls. It's the frequency we see all those models that is the problem.’

Unrealistic beauty standards have become the norm. Social media gives the impression that it isn’t okay to have a bad hair day.

Laura felt ‘It’s really hard to see all those people being so beautiful every day. It isn’t real life. But you are bombarded by it every day.

‘Young people want validation from everyone. They want to be appreciated rather than being actually happy within themselves.’

Beauty standards are so much higher now

Making things better

The continuing downward trend in happiness amongst young people is hugely concerning. If we don’t act now the impact of this will be felt for decades to come.

We are calling for a new deal for children across health, education, social care, and beyond, so that every child no matter where they live across the UK can have a good childhood.

Young people have spoken. Now, it is time we listen.

Author: Edward Herbert