Teens 'don't see enough of parents'

More than half of Kiwi teenagers believe they do not see enough of their parents.

The Social Report figures, released this week by the Ministry of Social Development, were worse than previous statistics.

They have led an Auckland University expert to suggest parenting programmes for all Kiwi parents.

"Parents are looking for something that is practical and effective," Professor of Parenting Studies Matthew Sanders said.

"Most Government investment in parenting programmes are for families who are already experiencing serious problems.

"That sort of investment in an individual parenting programme is never going to solve the problem."

Sanders said some families needed lighter interventions, while some needed more help.

"We need a suite of evidence-based programmes that fits the needs of the different types of families."

The Social Report 2009 said 46 per cent of teenagers believed they got enough time with their mothers, while 39 per cent felt they had enough time with their fathers.

"Having a close and caring relationship with a parent is one of the most important predictors of good health and wellbeing for young people," the report said.

Of those who did not have enough time with their parents, the most common reason was that the parent was at work.

Seventy-two per cent of those who lacked time with their fathers blamed work, as did 62 per cent of those who lacked time with their mothers.

Other reasons were that a parent was busy with housework, other children or family members, and that the parent was out or not living with the teenager.

"For kids to be saying that they are thinking they're not getting enough contact with their parents highlights the value they attach to family involvement and doing things with their parents, which is contrary to what a lot of parents might think," Sanders said.

As teenagers got older, a higher proportion reported not getting enough time with their parents.

While 43.5 per cent of 12 to 13-year-olds said they had enough time with their father, only 36 per cent of 17 to 18-year-olds said the same.

"This is the phase in their life where both parents are more likely to be working than at any other point in their development up to that point," Sanders said.

Teenagers would often shy away from parents, but this should not be misread, he said.

"What kids are saying is they want more contact with their parents, but they want it on their terms."

Parents had to work harder at creating opportunities to talk to their children or be prepared to stop what they were doing when their children were ready to talk.

Last month, Education Minister Anne Tolley announced at least 12,000 parents in at-risk families would be put on a parenting skills programme called the Incredible Years.

However, Sanders said a wider approach would be better.

"There are some fundamental parenting skills that most people have to learn," he said.

The principal investigator of the Youth 2007 project, Simon Denny, who led the findings in the Social Report, said research showed sitting down for a family meal together was very beneficial for teenagers.

"All the data shows that families are still vital for teenagers' wellbeing, especially parents," Denny said.

"They really need to be reaffirmed of their importance in the lives of teenagers."

The survey was between March and October 2007 in 96 randomly selected secondary schools throughout New Zealand. The teenagers completed the web-based survey on a voluntary basis.