Young people’s happiness has dropped significantly in the UK in the last few years, according to a major new report. The 2013 Good Childhood Report, published by Christian charity The Children’s Society, found that well-being has declined among children and young people since 2008, having previously been on the rise since 1994. The report, which evaluates the well-being of Britain’s eight-17 year olds, collected data from 42,000 children and young people throughout the UK, and found that in particular, many were concerned and troubled by their self-image.

The researchers identified several areas of concern for children and young people, which appeared to lead to a decrease in happiness between the ages of eight and 15 particularly. These included school, money / possessions, the future and appearance, the latter of which seems to be a particular problem. A spokesperson for the research team explained: ‘Appearance seems to be an aspect of life that is a particular issue for children in their early teenage years. There is a large drop in happiness with appearance between the ages of eight and 12, which continues at a low level for 13, 14 and 15-year-olds, and then increases again at 16 and 17 years old.’

However, despite these concerns, the report found that ‘around four-fifths of children aged eight to 15 in the UK are ‘flourishing’ in the sense of being satisfied with their lives and finding their lives worthwhile.’

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said of the report: ‘The well-being of our future generation in the UK is critical. So it is incredibly worrying that any improvements this country has seen in children’s well-being over the last two decades appear to have stalled.’ He called on governments, professionals and parents to, ’talk, listen and take seriously what children and teenagers are telling us.’