A recent YouGov survey shows that just over half of adults (53%) think arts education at secondary school is important, leaving a significant portion of children without structured creative time. With adolescence being a period of heightened emotional intensity, and art providing a safe channel for self-expression, removing creative outlets may have unintended consequences.
“Creative practice is not just about producing art, it’s about training the brain,” says Jamie Johnson, Head of Art at Wycliffe College. “Drawing, painting, sculpting and design all develop core life skills.
“Creative activities can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, strengthen motor and co-ordination skills, encourage emotional expression and support memory retention alongside cognitive flexibility. It gives young people permission to think differently. In an era of rapid technological change and growing mental health pressures, that may be more important than ever,” he continued.
“Rather than asking whether schools can afford to teach art, the question should be whether they can afford not to.”
6 Expert-backed arts education tips for parents and young people:
Jamie offered six practical ways parents and young people can build creative habits, boost focus, and support emotional wellbeing through art.
1. Create a weekly “screen-free creative hour”
“Set aside one hour a week dedicated to analogue creativity whether that be drawing, painting, collage, knitting, embroidery or journalling.
“This taps into the ‘slow creativity’ movement,” explains Johnson. “Activities that require repetition and patience, such as sketching or stitching, are particularly powerful for reducing anxiety and improving concentration.”
2. Focus on process, not perfection
“One reason teenagers disengage from art is fear of not being ‘good enough,’ Johnson shared.
“Creativity should not be performance-led, it is important to encourage experimentation and mistakes. The cognitive benefits come from the act of making, not from producing a masterpiece.”
3. Connect art to everyday life
“Creativity doesn’t have to mean fine art. Encourage:
- Designing a bedroom layout
- Customising clothing
- Creating digital illustrations
- Photographing nature walks
- Cooking or baking creatively
“Applied creativity strengthens problem-solving skills across disciplines.”
4. Visit galleries and creative spaces
“Exposure matters. Visiting local exhibitions, open studios or creative workshops can help young people see art as relevant and achievable.”
“Experiencing art in person also builds cultural literacy and critical thinking, skills that support success across the curriculum.”
5. Use art as an emotional outlet
“Adolescence can be emotionally intense. Sketchbooks and craft projects can act as a safe space for expression.
“Creative activity allows thoughts and feelings to be processed non-verbally,” Johnson shared. “For young people who struggle to articulate anxiety or stress, art can be therapeutic.”
6. Advocate for arts education
“With warnings of an ‘arts apocalypse’, it is vital parents engage in school discussions about curriculum balance.
“Creativity is not an optional extra, it is central to developing adaptable, resilient young people.”
The YouGov survey highlights a growing gap: 42% fewer pupils are taking arts GCSEs than a decade ago, yet 90% of young people want to study a creative subject.
Public opinion is split on the value of arts education, with 33% saying it’s “not very important” and 11% saying “not at all important.”
“Even small, consistent creative habits at home can have a significant impact on focus, confidence, and emotional wellbeing,” Johnson adds. “Art doesn’t require expensive materials or specialist training; it just needs time and permission.”
Parents are encouraged to take inspiration from these six tips to help children develop skills that support academic success, emotional health, and lifelong creativity.
