- New research released by Guide Dogs today to mark Anti-Bullying Week (13th – 17th Nov) reveals that 72% of people with sight loss said they were bullied as children because of their vision impairment
- 52% felt isolated in social situations when growing up
- The majority admitted that being bullied as a child impacted their self-esteem (93%), with 79% experiencing feelings of loneliness at points in their childhood
- Four in five visually impaired adults (84%) said they would have welcomed having a buddy dog from Guide Dogs, with 78% saying it would have boosted their confidence
- As the leading provider of services for children who are visually impaired in the UK, charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the impact sight loss can have on a child or young person
Four in five (83%) people living with sight loss in the UK were bullied as children – 21% more than people without a vision impairment* – and a shocking 72% said they believed they were bullied as a direct result of their vision impairment.
Many said their experiences led to feelings of low self-esteem (93%), anxiety (62%) and loneliness (52%) when they were young. Thankfully, three quarters (71%) of those with a vision impairment said they had grown in confidence as adults and now feel happier in social situations.
Each year, over 1,400 families are told that their child is losing their sight1. This can be a challenging and isolating time.
Since 2012, Guide Dogs has run the buddy dogs service, matching children who are blind or partially sighted with dogs to help them develop their self-confidence, make friends and positively impact their wellbeing.
Buddy dogs are dogs that are deemed to be more suited to living with a young person and their family than working as guide dogs and the positive impact they have can be transformational.
Four in five (84%) adults with vision impairments say that they would have welcomed a buddy dog in their lives as a child, with four in five (83%) saying it would have helped them feel less isolated, 81% saying it would have boosted their self-esteem and over three quarters (78%) saying it would have increased their social confidence.
Adults living with sight loss say that the top three most valuable benefits of Guide Dogs’ buddy dogs service is that the dog provides companionship (66%), increases the owner’s confidence (52%), and helps young people live their lives more fully (49%).
Harvey has always had a vision impairment since he was little, but was only registered visually impaired five years ago. In 2022, Harvey was bullied and as a result he stopped going to school and took a year out of his education.
Since welcoming buddy dog Alfie in October 2022, Harvey’s life has turned around. He started a new college this year and is continuing to make positive steps towards regaining his confidence.
Harvey, aged 15 from Devon, tells us: “I wasn’t at school when we got Alfie. I didn’t have a routine and was sleeping a lot but when Alfie came, he gave me something to do. I wasn’t as lonely anymore.
“We take him out for walks in the forest and we’ve even taken him on holiday this year! He’s definitely helped since I left school, I don’t feel as lonely as he’s always there. I wouldn’t change it. I love his character and he has so much love for everyone.”
Harvey’s mum Adele adds: “When Alfie walks in the room, you see it in Harvey’s face, it lights up. He lost his way a bit after everything that happened at school but his Habilitation Specialist told us about buddy dogs.
“It was incredible to find out Guide Dogs provide so much more than just guide dogs. Having Alfie has been life changing for Harvey. It has rebuilt his confidence and allowed him to return to education.”
As the leading provider of services for children who are visually impaired in the UK, charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the impact sight loss can have on a child or young person this Anti-Bullying Week.
Mark Sanderson, Assistant Director of Children, Young People and Families at Guide Dogs, said: “It is vital that people with vision impairments are able to live full and happy lives. Sadly, our research shows that this is not always happening.
“With 92% visually impaired adults saying they struggled with childhood confidence, and over half (52%) having battled feelings of isolation, it’s clear there’s a real need for the wide range of services we have for children who are living with sight loss.
“Our buddy dogs have a truly transformative impact in helping children develop a sense of fun and trust, so we want everyone to know about the huge benefits they bring and encourage those who could benefit to sign up for a life-changing friendship.”
Funds donated to the Guide Dogs charity go towardshelping provide life-changing services for people with sight loss, including buddy dogs, to help support children with vision impairments.
Find out more about the life changing service that buddy dogs can provide and how your donation helps at www.guidedogs.org.uk