Get Connected research
released today for Safer Internet Day shows the scale of need for ‘safe space’ for
distressed and vulnerable young people
The charity’s young people survey, The Connected
Generation Report, published
today brings starkly into focus the issues and worries
many young people are facing and their need for safe support both on- and
off-line.
· 45% have experienced bullying
· One in five have experienced
suicidal thoughts
· Two in three young people feel
isolated and lonely
· 40 percent suffer feelings of depression
and anxiety
· 48% were more worried about their issues
after looking online for help
· 45% didn’t know where to go for help
tackling personal problems
Actor Daniel Radcliffe, is supporting efforts by Get
Connected to expand awareness of the safe support available for young people going through very difficult experiences. The charity Get Connected provides confidential advice channels for young
people.
Daniel Radcliffe: “Young
people should know its ok to reach out for support without fear. It’s so much better to talk through your issue than keep it trapped inside.”
The issues facing
young people highlighted today are wide reaching and prevalent; of the 30
issues young people were asked about in the survey, almost all had been
experienced by the majority in the sample group. This included issues such as serious
as bullying, sexual violence and racism as well as relationship issues and depression.
Radcliffe has supported Get Connected for over four years. He says: “I’m very fortunate to have
my parents and good people around me for support, but the sad fact is that many
young people don’t have anyone they can turn to for help when they need it, or
they don’t feel comfortable reaching out for help for fear of social stigma.”
Get Connected CEO Jessica Taplin says: “Our
research found that when young people do need help, they mostly turn to the
internet for answers. Regrettably, advice and support online is not always
reliable, and can be potentially harmful or just increases their worries – almost
half the young people surveyed said they were more worried after looking for
information online. Clearly, we need to build awareness of the safe,
confidential channels they can plug into.”
Radcliffe adds: “There are many barriers for young people seeking reliable help, including
a fear of being judged and not knowing where to turn. I think it’s incredibly
important for young people to know that they can reach out for support without
fear or judgement, as the first step to solving a problem is often talking
about what’s affecting you. Get Connected is a safe space to explore whatever
you’re going through, with the chance to find further, specialist help as
well.”
Get Connected works with almost
9,000 trusted organisations across the UK and their service is available over
the phone, via text, email and web chat, plus they provide a searchable online
directory of support services and free help app on Android and iOS.
More
than half the young people surveyed [57%
]would feel more comfortable asking for help from a free, confidential and
non-judgemental helpline:
For more information about the Connected Generation report visit www.getconnected.org.uk/impact/connected_generation
For further information and images please contact Catherine Sweet, Marketing & Communications Manager at Get Connected: catherine sweet@getconnected.org.uk
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T. 0207 009 2500Additional Contact(s):
Catherine Sweet, Marketing and Communications Manager
