Are the Kids Alright?

“The kids are alright” – or at least, that’s what The Who told us in 1965. But how are things looking in 2025?

The outlook is less sunny.

In 2022, the Times Education Commission Report found that children’s wellbeing has been in decline since 2009. Last year, the Children’s Society declared a “happiness recession”, finding that the UK’s teenagers have the lowest life satisfaction in Europe.

The kids, then, aren’t alright. But what can we do?

Complex issues have even more complex solutions. But one place we know that educators can make a huge difference is with PSHE and SEL – subjects that equip their learners to survive and thrive in the real world.

But there’s just one snag – where do young people actually turn when they have problems?

Chances are that social media is their first port of call for answers on relationships, health, and their life outside of school.

On one level, it’s understandable – maybe you even do the same. Apps like TikTok and Instagram dominate attention spans with super-scrollable content, and they’re only ever a tap of the screen away.

But for all its appeal, we know the world of social media isn’t always reliable. The danger to young people is no longer simply to take on adult life uninformed – but now, actively misinformed.

So, how can educators’ messaging cut through the noise?

Peer tutoring pioneers Yipiyap have found their answer in Peerscroller: a personal development resource that takes on social media at its own game.

Peerscroller’s bank of video content provides fact-checked, reliable information on the topics your learners need to know about; whether that’s PSHE curriculum content or a trustworthy source of advice on up-to-the-minute topics like attendance, vaping, digital wellbeing, and more.

What sets Peerscroller apart, though, is that it communicates with young people on their level. Relatable peer tutors and engaging shortform videos capture the appeal of TikTok and Instagram reels.

Hundreds of two-minute videos are ready to spark debate group settings, act as a first step in safeguarding response plans, and be there for learners whenever they need it via the mobile app.

And identifying the most-searched topics from the young people you’re supporting gives you the inside track on what they’re desperate to know more about – allowing schools, colleges, and youth organisations to identify areas of concern early and react fast with information and support.

Capturing young people’s imaginations with PSHE has never been an easy task. In today’s competitive attention economy, it’s more difficult – but more important – than ever.

Peerscroller flips the script and asks the question: what if your learners were genuinely excited to access PSHE resources?

Peerscroller is already being deployed in schools and colleges across the country. To learn more about Peerscroller or get involved, visit www.peerscroller.com.