Bullying and abuse top concerns among young people

Young people's wellbeing across Suffolk and North Essex is improving but many still face bullying and abuse, a study has revealed.

Some 9,000 youngsters took part in Healthwatch Suffolk's annual My Health, Our Future survey, answering questions on their current mental health and related issues.

The survey found inequalities in wellbeing continued to be prevalent among people who identified in non-binary gender categories, LGBT*Q+ and those with additional support needs, such as being a young carer of living with disability.

The research, commissioned by the NHS, was carried out at local schools, colleges and NHS facilities across Suffolk and North East Essex, to shape and inform decision-making about support for young people.

The young people questioned were aged between 11 and 19, and up to 25 if they had special educational needs or disabilites.

Key findings of the study found:

• Some 2,034 young people (35%) said they had seen at least one form of potential sexual harassment at their school or college, compared to 57% in 2023
• About 20% had felt unsafe at school because of bullying or cyberbullying.
• Hundreds of other students felt unsafe because of discrimination and/or harassment.

Other concerns included sleep issues, exercise, body image and eating habits, the survey found.

Commenting on the research, Wendy Herber of Healthwatch Suffolk, welcomed that "overall wellbeing showing a marked improvement this year".

She added: "However, there must also remain a collective call to action to leaders across sectors to remain focused on wellbeing support for all young people and to confront and eliminate all of the forms of abuse they experience.

"Furthermore, we continue to highlight the alarming prevalence of young people who reported having seen, heard or experienced forms of harassment, bullying or abuse in school or college."

Cathy Durrant, group head of pastoral support and administration at West Suffolk College said: "We have taken part in this survey for several years now. We find the well- structured analysis of the results invaluable."

She said it enabled the college to target additional support in the areas where it was most needed, and that it could provoke good discussions among students.

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