Positive relationships with parents
Note: The data and text for this section is sourced in whole or in part from the following report: Ministry of Social Development (2008), Children and Young People: Indicators of Wellbeing in New Zealand 2008. Wellington: Ministry of Social Development.
Definition
The proportion of secondary students aged 12 to 18 who said that Mum and/or Dad (or someone who acts as Mum or Dad) cares “a lot” about them, that they “feel close” to Mum and/or Dad most of the time and that they get “enough time” with Mum and/or Dad most weeks, as reported in the Youth2000 Survey.
Relevance
Positive relationships are built through both the quality and quantity of time spent together. Youth who have strong positive relationships with their parents are better able to cope with challenges and changes in their lives. Such young people tend to achieve better at school, have healthier relationships with others and be less susceptible to negative peer pressure.(1)
Current level
Most students of all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups report positive relationships with their parents.
More than 90 percent of secondary students surveyed in 2001 reported that their Mum and/or Dad cared about them a lot. The majority of students (around 70 percent) also reported that most of the time they felt close to Mum and/or Dad. Most students (around 60 percent) reported that most weeks they get enough time to spend with Mum and/or Dad. However, many students (around 40 percent) reported not getting enough time with at least one of their parents.
Proportion of secondary students who report positive relationships with parents, by sex, 2001
Source: Adolescent Health Research Group, 2003.
Notes
1. A dolescent Health Research Group (2003) New Zealand Youth: A Profile of Their Health and Wellbeing. Auckland: Adsolescent Health Research Group.
