Chrysalis^® News

A study by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers has found that around 70 per cent of young carers are being bullied at school or college.

The Trust questioned 700 youngsters between the ages of six and 18, finding that carers were more likely to suffer from severe stress and be bullied at school.

The BBC reports that there are approximately 175,000 child carers in the UK, with this figure on the rise. According to the 2001 census, 13,000 children devote more than 50 hours per week to caring for a loved one, with the average young carer age as low as 12.

Results of the survey cited in The Mirror suggest that out of these young carers, seven out of ten feel that they are under pressure or are being bullied whilst in school, leading to health experts calling for more support for young carers.

Young carers may be required to look after a family member who is suffering from a long term illness, depression or mental health issue, prompting them to have a high degree of responsibility and stress alongside school commitments.

Researchers argue that young carers should be given more support, such as counselling from professionals who have undertaken accredited counselling courses, as well as regular breaks away from caring.

Danni Manzi, spokeswoman for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said of the research: ''We knew anecdotally that young carers were suffering in regard to education and schools and didn't have the support that they needed.''

Meanwhile, general secretary for the National Union of Teachers, Christine Blower, was cited in the BBC as saying: ''The results of this survey are unsurprising, but point to a far greater issue of how different family support services could better support young carers.''