Recession hitting Irish teens’ pockets

A new survey has indicated that over a quarter (29%) of Irish teenagers say there is more tension at home due to money worries with a general limit on household spending now an economic reality for 37% of the 12- to 17-year-olds polled.

The survey shows that over half (53%) admit to their family having to cut back on luxuries because of the recession with a quarter (25%) admitting they did not enjoy a family holiday this year due to the recession.

The survey, carried out on behalf of youth development organisation Foróige, polled 252 young people between October 21 and September 1.

Over half (58%) of those polled claimed they would not ask for money as often as they used to if their family was under financial pressure, while parents being made redundant or having to take a pay cut is now the norm for over a quarter (27%).

On the positive side, the teenagers indicated that while money might be tight, their happiness has not been affected. Only a small minority believe that the recession has had an impact on the happiness of their family (6%) or on their own personal happiness (5%).

“It is obvious from the survey that the recession is having an impact on young people but our experience is that with the proper supports young people can adapt quickly to new circumstances,” said Foróige Chief Executive Sean Campbell, who added that one of the positive outcomes of the recession is that young people are engaging more with community activities.

The findings of the survey were published to coincide with the ‘permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards’ honouring 18 outstanding projects of community activism.