The inquiry, which was commissioned by The Children's Society and received more than 30,000 submissions from organisations, professionals and children, found evidence that children's lives in Britain have become more difficult than in the past, and that many young people are anxious and troubled. Questions covered subjects including family, friends, learning, lifestyle, health and values, and children 5 – 17 from across a range of social circumstances participated on-line, in focus groups, or through writing submissions.
Family life was central to their experience, with love, care, support, fairness and respect mentioned by many of the children as critical for their happiness, while revealing their fears of rejection, abandonment or feeling unwanted. Bullying was singled out as a key factor preventing children from having a good life. Children living with single parents or stepparents were more likely to suffer with lower academic achievement, poor self-esteem, unpopularity with other children, behavioural difficulties and depression.
Parental arguments, separation, the issues of being at the receiving end of shared parenting arrangements, and discomfort with a parent's dating life were put forward in many of the children's submissions, as was fear of adult drunkenness and violence. 'Excessive individualism' and competitiveness in society is also identified by the Inquiry as a cause of disquiet.
Many children saw their pets as their best friends who would always love them and always be there to listen, while they found that their human friends would break promises, would not keep secrets, and would lie to them. The children's poignant written comments are included in the report.
One high profile contributor was Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who expressed the opinion that "society had become deaf to the real requirements of children." The inquiry made a number of recommendations for improvement, which included banning all advertisements aimed at children under 12 years of age, with no televised commercials for alcoholic products or unhealthy food before 9 pm. It emphasised the need for open space for children to play, which would require the cessation of building in developing areas. The inquiry also advised the establishment of a youth centre for every 5000 young people in the community.
Other suggestions for improving family life were:
· A civil 'birth ceremony' where parents publicly accept the responsibilities of parenthood
· Free parenting classes available to expecting and new parents
· Free psychological and family support when relationships struggle
· Society making it easier for parents to stay home to rear their children
The report concluded that there needs to be a significant change at the heart of society, so that parents, teachers and adults in the community are not embarrassed to stand up for values that help society flourish.
On the website: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk