A third of youngsters don’t feel in control

Almost a third of young people in Scotland do not feel in control of their lives.

Uncertainty about employmentandthepolitical climate are among their concerns, with the figure having risen on the previous year. The ninth annual Prince’s Trust Macquarie Youth Index 2018 found young people’s happiness and confidence last year dropped to the lowest level since the research was first commissioned.

The index found 32 per cent of Scots aged 16-25 do not feel in control of their lives – up from 24 per cent in the 2017 report.

It found almost half of young people in Scotland (46 per cent) fear the economy would provide fewer job opportunities for their generation in the next three years. The study also found more than half of young people in Scotland (51 per cent) believe a lack of self confidence holds them back.

The unpredictable political climate is also taking its toll on young people. Almost two thirds (64 per cent) said politics made them feel anxious about their future.

The Prince’s Trust is now calling on the Scottish Government and employers to focus on young people and provide them with the skills needed to thrive.