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