PROGRAM RESULTS
Numerous studies have shown that having a Big Brother or Big Sister can have a positive effect on a child’s life in and out of school. Little Brothers and Sisters are:• 46% less likely to start taking illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol
• 32% less likely to hit somebody
• 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a single classALSO• 64% developed more positive attitudes towards school
• 58% achieved higher grades
• 60% improved their relationships with adults, 56% with their peers
• 55% were better able to express their feelings
• 60% developed higher levels of self confidence
• 62% were more likely to trust their teachers
Sources: Making A Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Public Private Ventures, USA, (1994) and Big Brothers Big Sisters School- Based Mentoring: An Evaluation Summary of Five Pilot Programs
The Angus Reid Final Report (2000) found that at the end of a Big Brother/Big Sister relationship:
Little Brothers and Sisters see their parent in a more favorable light at the end of the relationship and demonstrate a stronger sense of being accepted for who they are
Little Brothers and Sisters have a decrease of anger/frustration and worry Little Brothers and Sisters are less often sad/unhappy now, less fearful or anxious, more persevering and less likely to be restless or hyperactive or to cry excessively
Little Brothers and Sisters are more likely to step in and stop an argument
Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to get into fights at the close of the relationship than they were before being involved in the Program
Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to lose their temper when they get angry
Little Brothers and Sisters are more likely to handle problems on their own