Homework campaign backed by Chipmunk

New research, commissioned by O2’s Think Big youth programme, reveals that almost two thirds (62 per cent) of 11-18 year olds admit to needing to do up to two hours more homework per week to succeed at school.*

The research coincides with the launch of a new national campaign, the brainchild of 25 year old London youth worker Marie Perryman backed by Chipmunk. Together they are calling for the establishment of homework clubs across the UK to help young people who are struggling to commit enough time to homework due to factors such as lack of support or cramped living environments. Marie’s own experience running a homework club in London convinced her that something needed to be done to support those who find it difficult to study outside of the classroom.

When it comes to why young people are failing to do enough homework, the research highlighted a number of key barriers:

· more than one in ten (13 per cent) youngsters cited lack of appropriate space at home, with almost 1 in 20 (4 per cent) sharing a bedroom with a sibling

· a fifth (20 per cent) complained of difficulty studying alone

· almost half (43 per cent) said their hectic lifestyles didn’t allow enough time for homework

· A shortage of parental encouragement was also a big issue for many youngsters, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) of young people complaining of a lack of support at home

With funding and support from O2’s Think Big youth programme, Marie is now launching a nationwide drive to inspire young people across the UK to form their own community based homework clubs. She has created a video ‘how to’ guide to help other young people deliver this vitally important service to local communities.

Marie is one of four inspirational young people passionate about tackling important issues in our society who are being backed by O2 through major nationwide campaigns to make their voice heard. Through Think Big, O2 is committed to investing in young people to help them take positive action in their communities. To date O2 has backed around 900 youth led projects.