Survey of 16 to 22 year-olds to politics

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• Poll Summary
• Poll

Young people seek an alternative to alternative politics

Despite recent reports, young people are not turning to protests, demonstrations and boycotts in an attempt to replace traditional politics, according to research carried out for YMCA and Charter88. Most young people still look to traditional political processes, but that confidence declines rapidly as they cross the age of voting.

Chris Lawrence Pietroni, Deputy Director of Charter88, said:

"Politicians must ensure that the substance and content of politics keeps young people engaged, not turns them off as soon as they mark their ballot paper. They are not interested in gimmicks, such as party endorsements by celebrities, but in concrete issues. Young people want to see politicians tackling concerns that matter to young people and parliamentary candidates who look more like themselves."

Chris Roles, Director of Public Affairs for YMCA England commented:

"These figures show that young people do know what politics and voting are about, but they feel that they are very removed from their lives and what matters to them. The solution is real debate in environments where young people feel comfortable, not in the staid confines of parliament. YMCA hustings during the election campaign were popular with young people and turn out was high. When politicians talk to young people they are interested and they will get involved."

- 42 percent of 16-22 year olds believe that voting will give them greatest influence over what goes on in the world today. Only 20 percent think that engaging in demonstrations or marches is most influential.

- Young people’s belief in the power of the political process declines rapidly. While 50 percent of 16-17 year olds suppose that politicians have a lot of influence over levels of crime, only 35 percent of 20-22 year olds agree.

- Over 91 percent of young people indicated they would be more likely to vote if parties addressed issues that matter to young people.

- Young people thought business had more influence over their lives than government, with 21 percent believing it had a lot of influence compared to 16 percent for government.

- Young people thought local government has less influence over their life than the European Union. Neither was considered very influential however: only 3 percent thought the EU had a lot of influence, compared to 2 percent for local government.

At this year's party conferences YMCA and Charter88, in association with SKY, will give young people the chance to demonstrate their concern and express their views on the issues that matter to them. Through "Access all Areas", a new initiative aimed at encouraging the involvement and participation of young people in Britain’s political process, 16-25 year will be given a platform and the opportunity engage with politicians, journalists and opinion-formers.

Chris Lawrence-Pietroini, Deputy Director of Charter88 and Chris Roles, Director of Public Affairs for YMCA are available for interview.

For further information contact:

Jennifer Smookler, Press Officer, Charter88: 020 8880 6079/07779 263851

Notes to editors:

- The poll was conducted on behalf of YMCA and Charter88 by Carrick James Market Research during August 2001. The telephone survey used a sample of 100 16-22 year olds.

- YMCA is one of the largest youth and community organisations in Britain. The YMCA works with around 800,000 young people each year in around 200 locations across England ranging from hostels and foyers, youth advice centres, detached youth work projects, sports and exercise facilities, outdoor education centres and in young offenders institutions.

- Charter88 is the only organisation that campaigns for comprehensive democratic reform in the UK. Set up in 1988, it has a long tradition of encouraging young people to engage in active citizenship. Its ongoing Citizen21 project promotes and supports political knowledge and participation amongst young people.