Jersey Students Affected by Low Self-Esteem Levels

Survey Reveals More Than a Quarter of Jersey Youth Struggle with Low Self-Esteem

A recent survey has found that over a quarter of young people in Jersey are grappling with low self-esteem, with girls showing higher levels of concern compared to boys.

The 2024 Jersey Children and Young People's Survey, conducted by Statistics Jersey, revealed that 26% of participants—pupils from Years 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12—reported having low or medium-low self-esteem. School-related issues, including academic pressure, were identified as the primary concerns among students.

The survey also highlighted positive findings, with 74% of the 4,360 children who participated describing their health as "good" or "very good." Additionally, 90% of respondents expressed enjoying time spent with their parents or carers.

Ian Cope, Jersey's chief statistician, expressed gratitude to the children and young people who contributed to the survey. “Their participation has enabled the creation of what I hope will be a valuable report that helps improve services for Jersey’s youth,” he said.

Concerns Surround School Work and Social Pressures

The survey revealed that primary school students were particularly worried about school-related stress. School tests and homework were identified as major concerns for 26% and 24% of pupils, respectively. Other notable issues for younger children included concerns over what others think of them (22%) and friendships (19%). In contrast, secondary school students, particularly those in Years 10 and 12, expressed more anxiety about school workload, with 46% stating they often worried about it. Other major concerns included school tests (45%), peer judgment (39%), and appearance (36%).

E-Safety and Social Media Trends

The survey also explored e-safety, revealing that 59% of respondents had their own social media accounts. Among these, 37% reported having communicated with strangers online, and 36% of girls mentioned feeling pressured to conform to certain appearances on social media.

Substance use was another topic covered in the survey. Among Year 10 students, 81% reported never having smoked, while 59% of Year 12 students claimed the same. However, 60% of Year 12s had tried e-cigarettes, with 25% currently vaping. Additionally, 55% of young people said they had never consumed alcohol, and 21% of Year 12s admitted to using herbal cannabis.

The results provide a comprehensive snapshot of the challenges and concerns facing Jersey’s young population, highlighting areas that require attention and support.