'Nudge unit' study backs youth social action
Adam Offord
Monday, March 9, 2015
Participating in social action increases young people's resilience and reduces mental health problems, research by the government's influential behaviour unit suggests.
The research, carried out by the Behavioural Insights Team – known as the Nudge unit – on behalf of the Cabinet Office, found the skills of young people aged 10 to 20 significantly improved after taking part in activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering.
A series of randomised control trials of young people taking part in social action programmes in three areas of England measured an uplift of between six and 16 per cent when compared with a non-participating group.
The trials measured six life skills including levels of empathy, grit and resilience, co-operation, problem solving, sense of community and educational attitudes.
In addition, levels of anxiety reduced by more than a fifth in one group of young people that participated in youth social action, with participants' wellbeing also showing improvements.
The results also suggested that participation in youth social action increases the willingness to be involved in community-related activities in later life.
Rob Wilson, minister for civil society, said: “This research clearly shows that the government’s commitment to youth social action is equipping young people with the skills they need to compete with the best and the brightest in the world.
“Getting youngsters involved and active in public life not only strengthens their own life prospects, but also those of the whole community, and will help to fulfil this government’s long-term economic plan.”
Charlotte Hill, chief executive of Step Up To Serve, said the research findings support her organisation's efforts to increase the number of young people between the age of 10 and 20 taking part in social action.
“This study confirms that high-quality youth social action brings about a real double-benefit – not only are young people helping others but they are developing tangible skills themselves.
“The case for investment in youth social action has just become even more compelling.”
John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, added: “There is no doubt that taking part in social action can help young people develop the kind of skills the businesses we represent say they need.
“It is for that reason that we are calling for social action to be part of the fabric of all education settings across the UK.”
In November last year, research from Ipsos Mori launched to coincide with the first anniversary of the #iwill campaign, found 40 per cent of 10- to 20-year-olds were taking part in projects designed to benefit their local community.