Young people fearing for their futures

New Barnardo’s research has found that 67 per cent of young people believe their generation will be worse off than their parents, leaving many feeling negatively towards their future.

The children’s charity’s Overcoming the Poverty of Hope report also revealed that 62 per cent of 16-24-year-olds feel the government cares more about older generations than their own, with the fear for their future stemming from concerns over a lack of jobs or careers, money and financial worries, and high house prices.

While only 15 per cent think their generation will have worse physical health and life expectancy than their parents, 69 per cent believe they will have worse happiness or good mental health.

Interestingly, 54 per cent of those questioned deemed climate change as one of the most important issue facing the country over the next three to five years, but 42 per cent believe older generations don’t seem to understand or be interested in this issue. Britain leaving the EU was also an important issue for young people (62 per cent), and a quarter (25 per cent) were also concerned about the economy.

Javed Khan, Barnardos’ chief executive, said: “While material poverty is part of the problem, many children and young people today also feel there is little or no possibility of a positive future, what we call a ‘poverty of hope’. The voices of young people are missing from debates about the challenges facing the country. They feel ignored by society and decision makers who are focussed on the concerns of older generations.

“Collectively, we can help young people overcome this poverty of hope by believing in them, nurturing their talents, providing opportunities, knocking down barriers, and listening to them when it comes to decisions that affect their futures.”