Poverty top of teenagers' worries

Poverty and homelessness were named as teenagers' greatest concerns

A survey has claimed Scotland's teenagers believe poverty must be reduced in order to give them a chance of a better life.

More than 500 children, aged 11 to 17, took part in NCH Scotland's Hear Our Voice survey.

Tackling homelessness was the second most important issue, while providing people with more leisure and cultural opportunities was ranked third.

About 17% of those questioned put reducing poverty as their top priority.

The youngsters were asked to rank their top three priorities for action by the Scottish Parliament.

Other priorities included taking action against bullying, increasing opportunities in education, employment and training and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Children's Minister Adam Ingram said: "Engaging with children and young people is key to helping us improve life chances for them and future generations.

We have heard the voices - now we have to act on them Kathleen Marshall Children's commissioner

"The Scottish Government is committed to intervening early to break cycles of disadvantage like poverty, poor health and crime, which can hold children back throughout their lives.

"We must also help to strengthen families while promoting a change in social attitude towards young people and encouraging communities to foster positive opportunities for them."

Scotland's Children's Commissioner Kathleen Marshall said: "What is different about this survey is that it focuses on what young people think the Scottish Parliament should do.

"The fact that tackling poverty and homelessness feature so prominently shows that young people's concerns extend beyond their own immediate horizons.

"We have heard the voices - now we have to act on them."

Emotional wellbeing

Andrew Girvan, director of children's services for NCH Scotland, said: "Listening to young people is vitally important if we are to develop the solutions they need."

Louise Macdonald, Young Scot chief executive, said: "It's perhaps not a surprise that reducing poverty has come out as the top priority as we know it's a subject that concerns a lot of young people."

The survey was conducted as part of NCH's Growing Strong campaign which seeks to improve the emotional wellbeing of children and young people across the UK.

It was carried out by children's charity NCH Scotland and the Young Scot organisation.

They worked in partnership with Dundee City Council, East Ayrshire Council, Highland Council and Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 17 took part in the survey between October 2007 and February 2008.

They responded online, through text message or by filling in paper copies.