16 FOR A DAY
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Teenagers comprise nearly 10% of the British population. The programme surveyed 300 of the 1,697 teenagers born on 12 November 1989.
Survey results
In summary, the results of the survey are:
- 20% live in rural areas
- 8% attend a private school
- 33% live with their mum; increasingly fewer live with both parents
- 10% are from an ethnic minority
- 30% have had sex
- nearly 50% have been in love
- some use the pill; most do not use condoms as often as they should; a few have been pregnant
- most think their neighbourhood helps to define who they are
- most spend more time with friends than with family; friends are more important than most things in life – except family
- appearance matters more as they get older
- they worry about the future more than previous generations.
The teenagers
Natalie lives with her best friend, has low self-esteem and a poor self-image. Relationship and communication problems caused her to leave home and drop out of school. She has a bleak view of the future.
Emily lives with her parents and disabled sister Lucy. She occasionally worries about her weight, describes herself as non-conformist and sees every day as a fresh beginning.
Gus divides his time between his mum and sister. Permanently excluded from school, he regrets his past behaviour and wants better for his children.
George has a supportive family, a comfortable lifestyle and is positive about his future.
Matthew lives with his mum and younger half-brother and -sister. He has a heart defect and is a long-term victim of bullying. He dreams of success in the entertainment sector.
Shamina lives in a two-bedroom council flat with her extended family. She moved from Bangladesh following her father's death when she was three. A devout Muslim, she wants to explore other cultures and become a maths teacher.
Daina lives with a foster family and has been in care most of her life. She has limited contact with her birth parents and yearns to be part of a 'normal family'. She hopes that if she is good she will be able to stay where she is.
Courtney lives with her mum, dad and sister. She has a close family and strong friendship group. She is confident, content with her life and undecided about the future.
