About our campaign… help us break the cycle
Martin Narey, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s speaking about the children in trouble campaign
There are people who might say that some children are difficult to believe in – those who are troublesome or engage in anti-social behaviour.
At Barnardo’s, we argue that it is these children who especially need our help and support.
Evidence shows that most children in trouble are trapped in a cycle of disadvantage:
- they come from the poorest families and communities
- they have the poorest educational experiences
- they are more likely to suffer ill health and substance abuse.
Most children are not troublesome. They attend school, take part in activities and many volunteer in their communities.
Despite this, society has the perception that children are responsible for a significant amount of antisocial behaviour and crime and are becoming increasingly intolerant.
Society is demonising its young people.
Watch our campaign film and find out more.
What we are campaigning for
We want people to think again.
Help us change the public’s intolerance, and stop the demonisation of children and young people: take action with Barnardo's.
Our research findings
Research conducted by YouGov shows that:
- just under half (49%) of people believe that children are increasingly a danger to each other and adults
- 43% agree something has to be done to protect us from children
- 45% think that children are feral in the way they behave.
A survey conducted amongst Barnardo’s young people – just over half of whom have been in trouble – found that most of them thought that young people get into trouble because of boredom and peer pressure.
Of the 393 youngsters, aged between 10 and 23:
- 44% said bad behaviour is encouraged when the media portrays their peers as misbehaving
- 84% said young people get into trouble because of boredom
- 88% said having more things to do and places to go might stop young people getting into trouble
- 32% would go to friends for help if they were in trouble.
You can download the full survey Don't give up on us (PDF) conducted amongst Barnardo’s young people.
Breaking the cycle report
Download the Breaking the cycle report (PDF) published by Barnardo's.
