Young carers in UK 'bullied and stressed'

Young carers feel bullied, stressed and misunderstood at school, a research suggests.

Almost seven in 10 (68.5 per cent) six- to 18-year-olds who care for a sick or disabled family member say they have been bullied at school.

More than a third (37.9 per cent) say they worry about the person they care for during lessons while almost a quarter (23 per cent) say they are stressed in class.

The poll, by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Children's Society, questioned 700 young carers about their experiences.

The findings show the difficulties these youngsters, who care for people with mental or physical illnesses, disabilities, and alcohol or drug issues, face while trying to care for a relative and keep up with their schoolwork.

Seven in 10 (70.2 per cent) of those questioned said that being a carer has made their life more difficult.

One in six (15.7 per cent) report being tired at school while others say they are depressed, miss homework deadlines and are late for school, or miss it altogether because of their responsibilities at home.

More than three in 10 of those who say they have been bullied (31.6 per cent) say it was because they are a carer.

Nearly four in 10 (39.4 per cent) say their teacher does not know they are a carer while almost half (46.1 per cent) say they do not feel they could tell their teacher about their role.