Menu
09/09/2009
Top Teen Concerns Are Losing Weight And Fitting In
Today's teens are most worried about losing weight and fitting in, a survey for NHS Teen LifeCheck has revealed.
But more teenagers from low income families worry about bullying, drugs, and smoking compared to peers from high income families.
Of the teenagers surveyed, almost double the number of teens from low income families worried about bullying. However, teens from higher income families are more likely to worry about peer pressure and fitting in.
Further research also shows that almost half (48%) of teens don't feel they can talk to their friends about their worries because they think they’ll be considered silly or different, and nearly a third (31%) feel that their friends just wouldn’t understand.
The research was undertaken for the NHS Teen LifeCheck website on behalf of the Department of Health. This online service - www.teenlifecheck.co.uk - is aimed at teens with the highest risk of future ill health caused by their lifestyle choices. The website encourages them to complete its quiz and act on the results, and signposts people to support for issues like bullying.
In just three months, the website is already having a considerable impact. More than 100,000 teenagers have completed a LifeCheck, getting advice on topics like bullying and smoking as well as drugs, alcohol, personal safety, healthy eating and exercise. Today’s survey will inform the ongoing development of the site so it is up to date and meaningful to teenagers.
Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron, said: "Whether teenagers are concerned about their weight or giving up smoking, nearly three quarters of them say they like to get confidential advice. NHS Teen LifeCheck gives teenagers the support to make decisions and choices that can help them to be healthy and happy."
The website is specifically targeted at young people (12-15) because research has shown that these are the 'discovery years', where young people are most likely to experiment. There is a greater opportunity for this age group to recognise and avoid risky behaviours or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Youth worker Katharine Terrington, said: "We tend to think that teens share all their worries with those closest to them, but this survey shows that many would find it difficult to talk about certain issues.
"It's incredibly important to them to fit in with their mates and often they don’t know whether their worries are normal or not. That’s why a non-judgemental website like teenlifecheck.co.uk can be a huge help."
(GK/KMcA)
But more teenagers from low income families worry about bullying, drugs, and smoking compared to peers from high income families.
Of the teenagers surveyed, almost double the number of teens from low income families worried about bullying. However, teens from higher income families are more likely to worry about peer pressure and fitting in.
Further research also shows that almost half (48%) of teens don't feel they can talk to their friends about their worries because they think they’ll be considered silly or different, and nearly a third (31%) feel that their friends just wouldn’t understand.
The research was undertaken for the NHS Teen LifeCheck website on behalf of the Department of Health. This online service - www.teenlifecheck.co.uk - is aimed at teens with the highest risk of future ill health caused by their lifestyle choices. The website encourages them to complete its quiz and act on the results, and signposts people to support for issues like bullying.
In just three months, the website is already having a considerable impact. More than 100,000 teenagers have completed a LifeCheck, getting advice on topics like bullying and smoking as well as drugs, alcohol, personal safety, healthy eating and exercise. Today’s survey will inform the ongoing development of the site so it is up to date and meaningful to teenagers.
Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron, said: "Whether teenagers are concerned about their weight or giving up smoking, nearly three quarters of them say they like to get confidential advice. NHS Teen LifeCheck gives teenagers the support to make decisions and choices that can help them to be healthy and happy."
The website is specifically targeted at young people (12-15) because research has shown that these are the 'discovery years', where young people are most likely to experiment. There is a greater opportunity for this age group to recognise and avoid risky behaviours or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Youth worker Katharine Terrington, said: "We tend to think that teens share all their worries with those closest to them, but this survey shows that many would find it difficult to talk about certain issues.
"It's incredibly important to them to fit in with their mates and often they don’t know whether their worries are normal or not. That’s why a non-judgemental website like teenlifecheck.co.uk can be a huge help."
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 July 2010
Fifth Of Teens Pregnant At 18
One in five teenage girls has been pregnant at least once by the age of 18, according to the latest Government figures. The figures, from a Department of Education study of 8,500 teenagers, found that more than eight of ten boys and girls questioned said that they were sexually active by the time they turned 18.
Fifth Of Teens Pregnant At 18
One in five teenage girls has been pregnant at least once by the age of 18, according to the latest Government figures. The figures, from a Department of Education study of 8,500 teenagers, found that more than eight of ten boys and girls questioned said that they were sexually active by the time they turned 18.
18 September 2014
Two Teenagers Arrested Over West Lothian Body Find
West Lothian Police investigating the discovery of a man's body on Wednesday night have arrested two 18-year-old men. Police say that the body of a 31-year-old was found at a house in Marmion Road in Bathgate at about 17:40 on Wednesday. The death is being treated as "unexplained". Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Two Teenagers Arrested Over West Lothian Body Find
West Lothian Police investigating the discovery of a man's body on Wednesday night have arrested two 18-year-old men. Police say that the body of a 31-year-old was found at a house in Marmion Road in Bathgate at about 17:40 on Wednesday. The death is being treated as "unexplained". Police say the investigation is ongoing.
06 December 2004
Government aim to educate teenagers away from crime
A new teaching resource aimed at helping educate teenagers away from crime was launched today by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett. The Watch Over Me II video is aimed at helping young people ensure their personal safety and covers a broad range of challenging issues including domestic violence, drugs, gun crime and forced marriage.
Government aim to educate teenagers away from crime
A new teaching resource aimed at helping educate teenagers away from crime was launched today by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett. The Watch Over Me II video is aimed at helping young people ensure their personal safety and covers a broad range of challenging issues including domestic violence, drugs, gun crime and forced marriage.
07 June 2005
Charity warns of ‘mobile phone bullying’
One in five young people have suffered from some form of ‘digital bullying’, a survey conducted by children’s charity NCH has revealed. Bullying via mobile phone was found to be the most common form, with 14% of those surveyed claiming to have been harassed or threatened via text messages.
Charity warns of ‘mobile phone bullying’
One in five young people have suffered from some form of ‘digital bullying’, a survey conducted by children’s charity NCH has revealed. Bullying via mobile phone was found to be the most common form, with 14% of those surveyed claiming to have been harassed or threatened via text messages.
16 December 2009
Teen Detained Over Bullying Death
A teenage girl who bullied another teenager until she jumped to her death from a window has been detained for eight years. Hatice Can, 15, of Belvedere, Kent, was found guilty last month of the manslaughter of 19-year-old Rosimeiri Boxall, along with her co-defendant Kemi Ajose, also 19, from Charlton, south-east London.
Teen Detained Over Bullying Death
A teenage girl who bullied another teenager until she jumped to her death from a window has been detained for eight years. Hatice Can, 15, of Belvedere, Kent, was found guilty last month of the manslaughter of 19-year-old Rosimeiri Boxall, along with her co-defendant Kemi Ajose, also 19, from Charlton, south-east London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
