Young carers say they are bullied and stressed

NEW research is warning that Britain's army of young carers feel bullied, stressed and misunderstood at school while constantly worrying about the family member they are looking after.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2010, 10:51 BST
Updated 17th May 2010, 10:51 BST

And while schools may be able to offer support for those carrying the burden of looking after a family member who is sick or disabled, many youngsters struggle on alone because they are too embarrassed, ashamed or fear the implications if they tell a teacher.

The poll, by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Children's Society, questioned 700 young carers about their experiences.

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The findings show the difficulties these youngsters, who care for people with mental or physical illnesses, disabilities, and alcohol or drug issues, face while trying to care for a relative and keep up with their schoolwork.

Almost seven in 10 (68.5 per cent) six to 18-year-olds who care for a sick or disabled family member say they have been bullied at school.

More than a third (37.9 per cent) say they worry about the person they care for during lessons while almost a quarter (23 per cent) say they are stressed in class.

Seven in 10 (70.2 per cent) of those questioned said being a carer has made their life more difficult, while one in six (15.7 per cent) report they are left tired during classes, with others saying they are depressed, miss homework deadlines and are late for school, or miss it altogether.

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More than three in 10 of those who say they have been bullied (31.6 per cent) say it was because they are a carer.

Nearly four in 10 (39.4 per cent) say their teacher does not know they are a looking after a family member while almost half (46.1 per cent) say they do not feel they could tell their teacher about their role.

Carole Cochrane, chief executive at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: "It is shocking to discover that so many young carers have to endure bullying, mental health problems and a lack of support from their teachers, all because they care for a family member who is unable to cope without their help.

"Sadly, without the right support, many young carers will underachieve or drop out of school altogether, which has a long and enduring impact on their future prospects."

Related topics:Britain