UK - One of the worst places to grow up?

The UK gets a name of one of the worst places to grow up, despite of being one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Tamila Varshalomidze tries to find out about causes and effects of it.

After comparing health, education and housing standards of children in 29 states across the continent the UK finds itself on the 24th place – much below poorer countries like Slovakia and Hungary.

The research published by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in April 2009 also shows that young people in Britain are less happy than elsewhere.

The study, about youngsters aged up to 19, was compiled by York University researchers for the Child Poverty Action Group using mostly 2006 data.

The researchers assessed the countries on 43 separate measures, ranging from infant mortality and obesity to material resources - like poverty and housing.

CPAG spokesperson Tim Nichols says: “Countries that do best in Europe have only about 7% or 8% of children below the poverty line, so we have a long way to go, but we know that we can get there, because if other countries can do it there really is no reason why Britain can’t.”

However, London development manager of End Child Poverty Liz Thorne, says: “Each country faces its own specific challenges and I think the UK government can certainly learn a lot from what the Netherland has done, but there’s also the difference between the two countries that need to be addressed.”

Chair of London Child Poverty Commission Kate Green says: “Why should Britain's children suffer more than children in other wealthy countries? We can end our child poverty shame and we must.”