Stigma around Peterborough's youngsters must change - youth council

Aryan, 15, said stress and pressure had been identified as two of the biggest issues facing young people

Young people often feel "judged" and the stigma that they are "up to something" needs to change, a year 10 pupil has said.

A new survey is looking to understand the challenges faced by Peterborough's youngsters.

Youth council chair Aryan, 15, said stress and pressure had been identified as two of the biggest issues for 11 to 19 year olds.

It hopes to gather more data and create a plan of action to find solutions.

Aryan said the group, made up of about 40 people aged 11 to 19, wanted to know where stress was coming from and the impact it was having on youngsters' lives.

He said: "If we're finding out that the source of stress is coming from a main thing, like school, we'll approach schools to see if we can do something to reduce stress levels."

'Pressure slowly builds'

Aryan said homework and exams could be stressful.

He added that during the transition from year seven to year 13, "the pressure slowly builds up".

Other challenges and problems faced by young people include finding work experience and receiving judgement from others, he said.

"There's stigma around young people hanging out with their friends that needs to be tackled," said Aryan.

"When you see a group of young people standing outside a shop talking you'd assume they're up to something, which they're not.

"Young people are afraid to go out and hang out with their friends, because they feel other people will judge them."

'More opportunities'

Aryan added: "A common issue I've heard from young people in the city is that the access to apprenticeships and work experience is quite hard."

The teenager has been involved with the youth council for two years and said more opportunities for young people was something he would like to see.

He has suggested creating a centralised website for local businesses to advertise opportunities. 

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Peterborough's youth council meets twice a month at Sand Martin House. 

Its survey on stress and pressure is open to 11 to 19 year olds throughout the city.

One participant will win a £50 voucher.