The importance of a child having someone to talk to about their worries is being highlighted in new research from the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).

It shows the number of young people who feel afraid 'all the time' decreased by 16% when they have a relative to turn to.

Children who feel like they are supported at home or in the community are much less likely to be afraid.

The new survey suggests that children who feel they can communicate openly with their parents are much less likely to be anxious.

Identifying family life as "the factor that affects young people most", the survey of 14,464 children found that those who felt supported in the home or community were both happier and less fearful.

The proportion of children who felt nervous all the time fell from 31% to 11%when they said they had a close friend available.

However the report also cites a gap between children’s perception of support and their willingness to talk to parents. 

It said "some young people spoke about negative feelings such as guilt and additional worry if they shared their concerns” and this “misplaced sense of guilt" needed to be tackled.

Uncertain where to get help

The study also found that young people grow less certain about where to seek help for their problems the older they get.

Some 63% of 10 to 12-year-old respondents said they "definitely" knew where to turn to if they needed support but this fell to 55% in the 13 to 15-year bracket and 44% in the 16+ age group.

The report cites a "dearth of support services for the 16-plus age group" and suggests this is a factor in the greater feeling of isolation among older teens.

The document says that a further obstacle is getting children to avoid feelings of guilt for "burdening" others with their problems. 

ISPCC spokesperson is Caroline O'Sullivan.

She says kids these days are under so much pressure it is vital they feel supported.