Thaindian News

London, Jan 12 (IANS) At least half a million children in Britain are “unhappy” with their lives, a survey has said.

The “Good Childhood Report 2012″ said around nine percent of school children aged between eight and 15 were miserable. The levels of unhappiness increased dramatically with age, tripling between the ages of eight and 15, Sky News reported.

According to the Children’s Society, unhappy children were more likely to be victimised at school, have eating disorders or suffer from depression.

The study which analysed 30,000 school children in Britain found that having a loving family and a stable home life were key to increasing well-being.

Around 23 percent of children who moved home more than once a year showed low levels of happiness.

Children also felt peer pressure at school, especially girls who did not have the right clothes to “fit in”.

Having too little or too much pocket money was also a source of stress.

The report lays out six priorities which it said were essential to a child’s happiness.

They include providing the right conditions for children to learn and develop, ensuring they have a positive view of themselves and a respect for their identity, enough items and experiences that matter to them, ensuring positive relationships with family and friends, providing safe and suitable home environment and providing opportunities to take part in positive activities that help them thrive.