Large numbers of young teenagers have never washed their own clothes and do not iron or do household shopping, according to a new survey published today.

More than three-quarters, or 76 per cent, of 11 to 16-year-olds in the UK have yet to load a washing machine, 63 per cent do not iron and 75 per cent are strangers to bathroom cleaning, a survey has shown.

The study showed more than a third – 35 per cent – have never cooked a meal, and 92 per cent don’t ever do the household shopping.

The findings were taken from an online survey of 1,011 11 to 25-year-olds in the UK conducted last month for The Children’s Society to coincide with a young carers’ festival this weekend.

The charity said it was hoping to highlight the “stark” contrast between the life of an average teenager, and an estimated 175,000 young carers in the UK who carry out similar household chores from as young as five-years-old.

Young carers responsible for looking after one or more parent or siblings who are sick or disabled can be involved in administering medicines, washing and dressing an adult, cooking, cleaning and even managing the household finances, the charity said.

Problems

They often have “excessive” responsibilities which can cause difficulties at school, health and emotional problems, social isolation and a lack of leisure time.

The festival, organised jointly by YMCA Fairthorne Group, and The Children’s Society, aims to give a break and support to more than 1,500 young carers.

Organisers want adult and children’s services to work more closely to protect child carers. Jenny Frank, programme manager for The Children’s Society, said: “We want to see all local authorities delivering services to meet the needs of the whole family and so prevent excessive caring impacting on children’s well-being, education and childhoods.”

Peter Cooper, children’s director at YMCA Fairthorne Manor, near Southampton, said: “With such uncertainty about the economy and the future of public services, it is vital that the current voids in support for young carers and their families don’t become chasms.

“Adult and children’s services need to work collaboratively to bridge the gaps.”