Island factfile - Youth culture
Youth culture in the Isle of Man encompasses a similar range of trends and concerns to those experienced in any other Western country. The main difference is the scale on which these issues affect Manx children.
Manx parents undoubtedly share the same worries as those in other parts of the UK - the increasing use of alcohol and drugs; teenage sex; the influence of violent images; school and peer pressures - and a small number of youngsters are as street-wise as any of their British counterparts, but on the whole Manx children enjoy a freedom that enables them to play, walk and get together in relative safety. Wise parents will still teach their children about the perils of the modern world but thankfully the Island remains a place where young people can generally grow up without fear. At a cursory glance it may seem there is little for modern teenagers to 'do' but once you start looking, it's surprising how much is on offer for such a small area.
Children aged between four and nineteen can attend one of thirty-six primary schools and six secondary schools, evenly spaced around the island to enable fair and equal access for all students (See: Education). The Manx education system provides young people with plenty of progressive, extra-curricular activities such as sport, drama, fashion shows and fund-raising events but outside the school environment entertainment facilities are limited, if compared to the UK.
Douglas is the mecca for most young people as it offers the largest choice of shops and cafes, leisure centres, indoor bowling, cinemas, sports and facilities such as the new skateboard, rollerblading and BMX area in Noble's Park. Other towns and villages do, however, have a number of public swimming pools, community centres, parks and shopping centres where young people can get together.
The Education Department and groups such as the Salvation Army also run many well-patronised youth clubs right around the Island and areas that don't have clubs of their own can use the facilities provided on-board the travelling 'Buzz Buss' youth club, furnished with comfy seating, a TV and music systems. The idea follows the success of Beryl's Bus, a converted bus permanently parked in Ramsey, where older teenagers can get together with minimal supervision and enjoy the use of a TV, CD and microwave. The bus is overseen by youth workers but run by the teenagers themselves and plans are afoot to adopt the idea in other towns such as Peel.
Nighttime entertainment for under-age teenagers is often organised by schools and youth clubs in the form of discos, concerts, plays and rock bands but as soon as most teenagers are 18 and old enough to drink legally they can socialise in the island's pubs and clubs - and downtown Douglas is a particularly popular spot at weekends. Big-name gigs and outdoor concerts are rare on the Island but clubbing has a huge following and the popularity of dance music has encouraged promoters to bring in top DJs for regular performances in the main clubs and dance venues.
During the school holidays a variety of summer programmes are available to keep young people busy. These include sports and coaching sessions and 'Fun Days' at the National Sports Centre ; residential courses for challenging outdoor activities at the Venture Centre in Maughold and Ardwhallin Outdoor Pursuits centre; Education Department Holiday Venture Schemes incorporating sports, crafts and visits for children from School years 6-9; theatre workshops organised by the Manx Academy for Performing Arts at the Villa Marina and art and craft workshops at St Johns' Courtyard Gallery for children aged seven upwards.
The government's Youth and Community Service runs a number of projects that aim to support and stimulate young people in a casual setting. Rather than waiting for youngsters to come to them with problems, youth workers often tour the island in a converted bus so they can help address issues informally and on-the-spot. The Service also supports 'Soundcheck' - a music project that provides young musicians and bands with practical help, tuition, instrument loans and rehearsal venues.
Other organised activities available to Manx youngsters include the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which is open to 14-25 year olds and offered by secondary schools, youth clubs and some employers. This has actually grown in popularity over the years and the Gold Award has healthy backing from a bursary fund that allows expeditions ranging from Yorkshire to Greenland. Adventurous youngsters who enjoy activities such as power boating, dinghy sailing, rock climbing, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting can also join the Isle of Man Army Cadet Force and Sea Cadet Force.
Traditional outfits like the Scout movement have a long history on the Island, thriving here for almost a century and as popular as ever, especially with young boys who now make up ten colonies of Beaver Scouts. Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scout groups may also now take girls, although there is also a well-established Guides Association here which offers a range of activities for girls of all ages - from 5 upwards - in Rainbow Guides, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Aside from these year-round pursuits, it's worth watching the papers for details of events such as 'Crucial Crew' - an annual four-day exercise set up by the Police and Emergency Services to teach primary school children about dangers such as fires, drowning, road safety and accidents. Not all children are 'action men' though, and those who prefer quieter pursuits such as reading can join the Department of Education's Junior Library behind the Westmoreland Road playground in Douglas. It's open to all Island children for just a pound a year.
The physical and mental Health of Manx children is given a lot of attention. Prescriptions, dental check-ups and eye tests are free to under-16 year olds. Most schools offer a life education programme and a sex education initiative which, in some schools, involves 11 year olds being given a sex education session by a school nurse in the last term, with the consent of parents. Family planning information is available to young people through Family Planning Clinics and GPs.
Drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamines are illegal on the Isle of Man. The police have a vigilant Drug Squad and maintain close links with schools and community police officers to promote drug Awareness amongst school children. The Island's Chief Constable has also publicly stated his determination to clamp down on illegal drug use and dealing on the island.
Support for troubled youngsters is well-provided for on the Island. Facilities jointly run by NCH Action For Children and the DHSS include Bonwick House Family Resource Centre - providing help with issues such as child protection, sexual abuse, young offenders and respite care - and the residential Cummal Shee Adolescent Resource Centre in Douglas for young people aged 10-17. The IOM Children's Centre in Windsor Road, Douglas, also runs a Contact centre to help the children of separated families, a confidential information and support service for young people and free guidance on independent living and family issues.
Acknowledgements: Manx Heritage Foundation