The annual NSW Advocate for Children and Young People report revealed that children feel let down by the education system, particularly when it comes to the state of school funding.
The report found that while children and young people consider education as their top priority, three-quarters of those surveyed said increased funding of education would improve their lives.
An increasing number of young people are also concerned about the quality of teaching, expressing the desire for educators to spend more time “explaining things” in the classroom.
Also highlighted was the alienation felt by many students who felt unwelcome, bullied and disillusioned at school. Racism, homophobia and sexism were considered among the greatest barriers to student wellbeing and achievement.
However, the report revealed some encouraging feedback from disadvantaged students, who said they enjoyed their schooling and were keen to access more “life training” in areas such as hospitality, financial literacy and real-world experiences.
Others asked for more support for kids with different learning needs, and more flexible hours.
Children in juvenile detention also raised the issue of long, unsupervised suspensions where they had “nothing to do for long periods” as a catalyst for getting into trouble with the law.
The report recommends alternatives to out-of-school suspensions – such as providing virtual classrooms or supervised study centres – to keep at-risk students off the streets.