Cost of living impact on young people revealed
New insight into the impact of the cost crisis has revealed people as young as 11-years-old are worried about the effect rising prices are having on their parents.
Over 70% of young people are concerned about the financial pressures on their parents, guardians or carers and the associated stress and impact on their mental and physical health.
Over 80% of young people said they had noticed a change in how their homes are heated, with 83% now more aware of how much electricity they use. Young people also highlighted the effect the increase in the cost of living is having on their health with over 50% reporting a negative impact on their mental health and 33% not currently feeling good about their physical health and wellbeing.
Our ‘How is the current cost of living affecting you?’ survey received over 1,000 responses from young people across Scotland. It covered topics such as heating homes, electricity use, access to food and mental health. We launched the insights project following direct feedback from young people who consistently, via our vote on a topic feature, ask us to feature information and support on the cost crisis and money management.
As part of the project, young people shared their thoughts on the current crisis:
“I can’t remember the last time my mum ate a full meal.” (14, East Renfrewshire)
“My mum worries about the cost of food, rent, council tax, and now Christmas.” (22, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)
“I would rather sit in the dark than have the light on and spend money I don't have.” (25, Midlothian)
“I’m worried about the rising prices of things and that I'm not going to be able to afford the future.” (13, Edinburgh)
In response to the cost crisis, we launched a Cost Crisis Hub on young.scot which includes money-saving opportunities, financial information and tips on looking after mental health – information topics repeatedly highlighted by young people as priority. Young people can use the free Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to support them to manage increasing costs with free bus travel for U22s as well as saving money by accessing discounts at 1,110 in-store locations and 300 online discounts with 370 different retailers - such as money off exercise classes, cinema tickets and food shopping. The Hub also links to our AyeFeel Hub mental health and emotional wellbeing resources, and information on government welfare support and how to make a claim.
Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive, Young Scot:
”Young people have shared their personal experiences of the impact of the cost crisis. These sobering results highlight how vital it is that we listen to their experiences and continue to work together locally and nationally to ensure young people are not adversely affected by the increase in the cost of living.
“We will continue to provide quality-assured information through our cost crisis hub and signpost to practical support such as discounts and free bus travel via the Young Scot National Entitlement Card to help young people navigate both the practical and emotional aspects of this crisis.”