Half of the children in Germany between the ages of eight and 14 are afraid of poverty, according to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation. The study found that these children occasionally, frequently, or even permanently worry about their family’s financial situation. In addition to financial concerns, one-third of children at primary, secondary, or comprehensive schools are afraid of bullying, violence, and exclusion by their peers. These children also reported feeling unsafe at school. The study surveyed 3,450 children and adolescents between the ages of eight and 14. While most children feel generally safe at home or at school, they have many worries that are rarely heard. Five percent of the youngest survey participants reported that their family hardly cares for them. The older the children were, the higher this percentage was. Among 14-year-olds, it was already 10 percent. This feeling of neglect or indifference can also be transferred to school problems and the helpfulness of teachers.
From a material perspective, most children lack nothing essential. About 96 percent of children reported that there is enough food, space to play, a computer for learning, and at least one bathroom. However, 10 percent of children reported not having a quiet place for homework, and 20 percent complained about not having their own bedroom. When asked about their wishes, most children said they would like to spend more time with their parents and friends. More attention and the opportunity to participate in family life were also on the list, as well as a higher sense of security at school.
It is not only adults who have worries and fears, but also children as young as eight years old who are increasingly concerned about their family’s financial future. The study by the Bertelsmann Foundation found that half of the children between the ages of eight and 14 in Germany are afraid of poverty. In addition, one-third of children at primary, secondary, or comprehensive schools are afraid of bullying, violence, and exclusion by their peers. The study surveyed over 3,000 children and adolescents and found that while most children feel safe at home and school, they have many worries that are rarely heard. The study also found that some children feel neglected or indifferent to their family and school problems. Despite these concerns, most children lack nothing essential, but they do wish for more time with their loved ones and a higher sense of security at school.
