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Are we providing the basis for our children's mental and physical well-being?
We all want our children to be healthy and happy but there are some worrying trends relating to the mental and physical health of children and young people. A Prince's Trust survey published in January 2009 found that the majority (71%) of the two thousand young people questioned were happy - but it also suggested that many 16-25 year olds are increasingly stressed, depressed and unhappy. An by the United Nations in February 2007 put the UK at the bottom of a league table for child well-being across 21 industrialised countries.
Last updated: 31 March 2009
Obesity is another worry, especially in Wales where a fifth of 15-year-olds are classed as being seriously overweight. Wales also has the highest levels of teenage drinking in Europe, as well as the highest rates of teenage pregnancy. Some of these problems have been closely linked to levels of poverty and here in Wales, one in four children lives in a low-income household.
As part of the 'What are we doing to our kids?' season, 91¸£ÀûÉç Wales political editor Betsan Powys returned after nine years to visit the Warners - a low-income, large family who live in the Cynon Valley. The programme was broadcast on 26 March 2009 but you can still watch extracts on the website.
Facts and figures
- One in four 16-25 years old in Wales are often or always down or depressed. Source: Prince's Trust, January 2009
- 40% of 15 year olds in Wales report drinking alcohol on a weekly basis. Source: Welsh Assembly Government, 2008
- 14% of 11-year-olds have been bullied at least two or three times in the past two months. Source: Childline
