One in four young people 'don't feel in control of their life'
Neil Puffett
Friday, January 6, 2017
More than a quarter of young people don't feel in control of their lives, with concerns about job prospects, self-confidence and recent political events playing on their minds, a major study has found.
Research commissioned by The Princes Trust as part of its annual Youth Index found that 28 per cent of more than 2,200 16- to 25-year-olds questioned said they feel "trapped by their circumstances" and "out of control" of their lives.
Almost one in five (18 per cent) said they don't believe they can change their circumstances if they want to. The research also found that 16 per cent think their life will amount to nothing, no matter how hard they try.
A report on the findings said there are a wide range of factors that could be contributing to young people feeling out of control of their lives.
One in 10 young people (12 per cent) claim they don't know anyone who "really cares" about them, 45 per cent feel stressed about body image and 37 per cent feel stressed about how to cope at work or school.
Of those young people who don't feel in control, 61 per cent feel a lack of self-confidence holds them back.
The Youth Index also indicates that the current political and economic climate is taking its toll on young people. Of those surveyed, 58 per cent said recent political events make them feel anxious about their future, with 41 per cent feeling more anxious about life in general than a year ago.
Many feel confused, with 44 per cent claiming they don't know what to believe because they read conflicting things in the media about the economy.
Half of young people feel the pressures of getting a job are greater than a year ago and more than a third (36 per cent) don't feel in control of their job prospects.
Rising living costs are also a big concern, with 37 per cent of young people who feel out of control of their lives worried that their living costs are going up faster than their wages or salary.
Dame Martina Milburn, chief executive at The Prince's Trust said: "This report paints a deeply concerning picture of a generation who feel their ability to shape their own future is slipping away from them.
"It's shocking how many feel so desperate about their situation and it is vital that we support them to develop the confidence and coping skills they need to succeed in life.
"The single most important thing we can do to empower these young people is to help them into a job, an education course or on to a training programme.
"Now, more than ever, we must work together to provide the support and opportunities they need to unlock a brighter future."