Citation
(2009), "Has society demonised today's kids?", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 39 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2009.01739cab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Has society demonised today's kids?
Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 3.
According to a recent report commissioned by children's charity Barnardo's, adults in today's society have a largely negative view of the nation's children and young people.
The poll, conducted on behalf of the charity by YouGov, reveals some startling statistics that suggest kids these days are being condemned as dangerous and behaving like animals: just under half of adults believe children are increasingly a danger to each other and to adults, while 43 per cent agree that something should be done to protect them from children and 45 per cent say children are feral in the way they behave.
In response to the survey's findings, Barnardo's has highlighted the fact that most children are not troublesome at all. But many adults see children as responsible for a significant amount of antisocial behaviour. For instance, Barnardo's points out that while the most recent British Crime Survey suggests that society blames children for up to half of all criminal activity, they are indeed only responsible for 12 per cent of crime.
In other words, society is demonising its children and young people.
But could our kids simply be fulfilling such a pessimistic prophecy? The Barnardo's report suggests that some indeed might be. Out of 393 young people aged between ten and 23 who were also surveyed, 44 per cent said they feel encouraged to behave badly when the media portrays them as misbehaving.
Meanwhile, 84 per cent suggested that they get into trouble because they are bored, with 88 per cent claiming that having more things to do and places to go might stop them getting into trouble in the first place.
Support needed
According to the charity, only a minority of children are anti-social and commit crimes and it is exactly those children who need our help and support the most. For instance, these are the children who are most likely to suffer from addiction problems as well as a lack of self-esteem.
Barnardo's is involved in a major effort to change the growing intolerance by today's society towards children and young people, with a TV and internet ad campaign.
Meanwhile, Cygnet Hospital Godden Green offers help to young people.
To find out more, visit www.cygnethealth.co.uk