Unhappiness in children is more likely to be influenced by conflict in their family than the family’s structure, research suggests.

A study by the Children’s Society says family arguments are more damaging for children than factors such as whether they live with married parents.

This survey of well-being was based on the views of 7,000 children in England aged between 10 and 15.

It found that about 7% of children were “significantly” unhappy.

Among a cohort of 1.8 million children – this would mean there are 140,000 deeply unhappy children in these age groups

The charity wanted to investigate how children experienced unhappiness and happiness – asking them to record their feelings on a scale of 0 to 10.

It found that living in a happy household, where people got along together, was a major positive factor in children’s sense of well-being.

Asked about their level of happiness, a large proportion of children were broadly positive – averaging 7.7 out of 10 – but more children reported feelings of unhappiness as they grew older and entered their teenage years.

Source: BBC Education News

Chris, Web Designer at Input Youth

A scheme to give free laptops to pupils from poor backgrounds is being rolled out to 270,000 families in England.

The £300m Home Access scheme, first announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2008, has been piloted in two local areas.

It will allow some of the most in need children, those in care and from the poorest homes, to apply for a grant for a free laptop and broadband connection.

It aims to help bridge the achievement gap between rich and poor pupils.

A recent study from the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggested having a laptop at home could lead to a two grade improvement in one subject at GCSE.

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: “Families who are most in need cannot be left behind in the digital revolution we’re seeing in education. We’re leading the world with the way we use technology in learning and we’ve shown our commitment to this by making ICT the backbone of every lesson in the new primary curriculum. Because of this, it’s absolutely right that we’re investing £300 million so children who need the most support have access to the resources they need at home.”

He also said there were educational, economic and social benefits of being online at home that could not be ignored.

Source: BBC Education

Chris, Web Designer at Input Youth

Unemployed young people could suffer from “permanent psychological scars” due to being out of work, according to a survey by the Prince’s Trust.

A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 people aged between 16 and 25 showed one in 10 of those who had been out of work had turned to drugs or alcohol abuse.

And those not in education or training were twice as likely to feel down, depressed, isolated or rejected.

Latest figures show almost a million 16-25’s are classed as unemployed.

The Prince’s Trust is calling on the government and businesses to do more to help the younger generation escape unemployment and has launched a new campaign to raise £1m a week to support unemployed and disadvantaged young people.

The Trust said its survey showed that 25% of unemployed young people believed their joblessness had caused arguments with their parents or other relatives, and 15% said their life lacked direction.

Martina Milburn, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The emotional effects on young people are profound, long-term and can become irreversible. We must act now to prevent a lost generation of young people before it is too late.”

Source: BBC Education

Chris, Web Designer at Input Youth