The Youth Voice Census 2024 has revealed critical insights into the challenges faced by young people in the UK, highlighting how anxiety, discrimination, and economic pressures are shaping their futures.
Overview of the Census
In a significant effort to understand the experiences of youth, over 5,000 individuals aged 11 to 30 completed the Youth Voice Census this year. This annual survey serves as a comprehensive examination of how young people perceive their lives, educational experiences, and employment opportunities.
Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
One of the most alarming findings of the report is the mental health crisis affecting young individuals. The survey indicates that 60% of respondents are experiencing anxiety, with many attributing this to fears of falling behind in skills and opportunities. Anxiety has emerged as a significant barrier to employment, affecting 40% of those surveyed.
Bullying and Discrimination
The findings also highlight the widespread issues of bullying, discrimination, and harassment in both educational institutions and workplaces. An astonishing 47% of students and 17% of young workers reported personal encounters with these issues. Additionally, over 35% of young people identified discrimination as one of the most pressing concerns facing the country. Those with additional needs reported facing greater discrimination and exclusion, exacerbating their challenges.
Economic Pressures Impacting Education
Economic concerns are another vital factor influencing young people’s decisions regarding education and employment. The findings reveal that 1 in 10 respondents have skipped educational opportunities due to financial constraints. Moreover, a staggering 72% of university students identified money-related issues as a primary source of stress, affecting their academic performance and mental well-being.
Inequalities in Opportunities
The census reveals considerable disparities in access to enrichment programs and extracurricular activities. Vulnerable groups, including Black, African, Black British, or Caribbean respondents, care-experienced individuals, and those eligible for free school meals, face considerable disparities in opportunities compared to their peers.
Declining Confidence in Employment Prospects
Confidence regarding employment prospects has also taken a hit, with only 26% of young individuals in education expressing faith in their skills and future job opportunities. This decline reflects a broader trend of disillusionment among young people as they navigate a challenging landscape.
Expert Insights
Laura-Jane Rawlings, MBE, DL, the founder of Youth Employment UK, stated: “This year, young people are feeling increasingly pessimistic about their futures, with only 10% believing they can access quality work in their area. Furthermore, they are compelled to compromise on essential factors such as safety, quality, cost, or location to pursue education and job opportunities. This sense of unfairness resonates with all young people, regardless of their backgrounds.”
Rawlings emphasised the desire for better opportunities among youth, noting that many feel these prospects are unattainable.
Recommendations for Improvement
In light of these findings, Youth Employment UK advocates for an expansion of access to youth services. Establishing local opportunities for enrichment and volunteering is crucial for building confidence and resilience among young people.
Additionally, enhancing support systems is essential, especially at critical transition points in young people’s lives. Reducing barriers to mental health services, housing assistance, and financial support is vital during these stages.
Finally, the organisation recommends creating a hyper-local youth guarantee focused on establishing quality training, apprenticeships, and job opportunities within local communities while eliminating transportation barriers.
