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Home > School > Articles

Gap years

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The exams are over, you’re proud of your teenager’s hard work and you’re looking forward to spending some exam-free time with them. And then they announce that they’re taking a much deserved break - to go travelling. Great for them, but probably a bit scary for you...

Many teenagers decide to spend between 3 to 12 months travelling abroad, before they start college or university, or before they begin looking for a full time job. What can be an exciting time for them can cause all sorts of worries for you; will they have enough money, will they be safe? Your teenager’s lack of experience of travelling without you there to help check-in at the airport or keep their passport safe can also add to your concerns.

A recent Parentline Plus poll asked parents if they would allow their 16 year old to go on holiday alone with friends, with a 73% majority answering ‘no, unless there is an adult to supervise’. However, in our latest poll asking what age is OK for young adults to go travelling alone, 41% of you answered 16 years, with 18 years coming a close second with 40% of the vote.

With there being such a big leap from never travelling without their parents to suddenly back-packing around the world on their own, it’s important to give them lots of useful information before they go – from how to stay safe through to basic cooking skills. By talking to them you will learn more about their plans, feel involved and also be helping them to get ready for one of the biggest adventures of their life!

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Comments



1. On 06 December 2008 10:27, Aloski wrote:

Why is there a gap year and what is it good for?
I've never heard about such a thing in other countries.
You do your A-levels in June or July and in October you start university.

What should my children do in a "gap year"?
I am a single father and bringing up my children.
I am unemployed and on benefit.
How could I finance any leisure activities for a whole gap year?

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