A survey of over 1,000 secondary students has found almost half are missing out on out-of-school activities or hobbies, with young people living in areas of high deprivation even less likely to take part.
New Ipsos research commissioned by the Children in Scotland charity asked 1,533 young people aged 11-18 about the clubs and activities they took part in after school or at the weekend.
It found that only 54 per cent of young people of secondary school age said that they take part in a club or activity outside of school. This dropped to 45 per cent among those living in the areas of highest deprivation and rose to 65 per cent in the most affluent areas.
Rates of participation were broadly the same for girls and boys. However, those who described themselves as white took part in more clubs and activities than those who identify as another ethnicity (56 per cent and 52 per cent respectively).
Those living with a physical or mental health condition were also less likely to take part in clubs or activities outside of school.
Children in Scotland commissioned the research to support its call for a national “hobby premium” to ensure that all children and young people in Scotland have free access to a hobby or activity of their choosing.
It says that hobbies are a way for children to play, explore their interests, build skills, make mistakes and grow, and that evidence from other countries shows that taking part in hobbies has a hugely positive impact on confidence, wellbeing and learning.
However, barriers such as cost and availability can mean that not all children have equal access to hobbies and their associated benefits.
Amy Woodhouse, Children in Scotland’s head of policy, projects and participation, said: “It’s of real concern that a significant proportion of young people are not taking part in a club or after-school activity.
“That participation is less common for those living in areas with high deprivation or with a physical or mental health condition adds to evidence from elsewhere that barriers relating to cost and accessibility can be an influencing factor.”
She added: “Given the importance of hobbies to physical and emotional wellbeing, we need government to take up the call for a hobby premium and invest in increasing access to hobbies for all children living in Scotland.”
