The Big Ambition

Our 2023 Youth Voice Census highlighted the bleak reality that young people face. One of disruption, mental health challenges and isolation, which have continued to go unsupported, causing rising antisocial behaviour, frustration, comparison and competition. That being said, it should be unsurprising that the latest Office for National Statistics data shows 851,000 young people (16-24) are not in employment, education or training (NEET). 

The Children’s Commissioner’s latest survey ‘The Big Ambition’ asked children aged 6 to 17, young people aged 18 still in school or college, and adults on behalf of children about their experiences, views and what they want to do to improve their lives. In total, this survey received responses from 253,000 children. Additionally, this survey also heard from every local authority. 

Key Findings

• 61% of children in Croydon ‘felt safe’, compared to 79% in Richmond Upon Thames. 
• Children living in mental health settings appeared to face some of the most significant challenges. On average, they answered every question more negatively than all children. Only 11% of these children think that their thoughts about the future are listened to. 
• 51% of respondents agreed that children knew about apprenticeships, university options and career ambitions. 
• 59% of responses by and for children with social workers agreed they had the same opportunities as other children, compared to 72% of children without a social worker. 61% of children living with foster carers agreed, compared to 60% of children in kinship care and 59% of children’s homes.
• 1 in 5 children in England believe their views are important to the adults who run the country, while only 10% of teenagers believe they have the power to influence the issues they care about. 
  • 10% of responses by and for children in a secure setting agreed that people who run the country listen to their views, compared to 22% of all children. 

Whilst it is clear that aspirations are low for all, we must recognise that young people’s experiences vary widely. Those with protected characteristics continue to face disparities that cannot be ignored. Who you are and where you live matters – persistent failure to address disparities will lead to profound implications for both young people themselves, and their future roles within society.