YOUNG people have aired their views on a range of issues affecting them – and it is hoped a new method can be found by which politicians can formally canvas the opinions of under 21s before making major decisions that might affect them.
More than 1,100 young people aged 11 to 21 responded to the Department of Education and Children Youth Service’s annual online survey, which posed questions about issues such as school life, health, activities and free time.
It was hoped that by asking young people to complete the survey independently via the Youth Service website www.iomyouth.com rather than through their school or college, they would be willing participants and would offer more candid views, said Ken Callister, Principal Youth Officer.
The survey revealed some interesting findings, Ken said. Young people said they felt safer and that the work being done by agencies to reduce bullying was working, but offered the view that it could never be eliminated completely.
Turning to alcohol, many of the young people who took part in the survey said they didn’t drink to excess and had never been drunk, but some highlighted that family members had alcohol-related issues that impacted on their own lives, including their safety.
The majority of respondents were happy with the education they received around drugs, alcohol and their safety but fewer felt they received adequate advice about sex and relationships.
A question also sought the views of young people on the survey itself and how it could be improved in future years.
Ken was delighted with the number of young people who took part in the survey and the depth of their responses.
He explained that the survey was conducted on behalf of the Isle of Man Government’s Children’s Services Partnership and the findings will inform the next Children’s Plan, the blueprint for how public services should benefit the young.
He revealed that following the Youth Service’s UCount2 conference in November, which brought together young people and politicians to listen to each other’s views, talks were under way between the Youth Service, Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan MHK and Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips regarding a more formalised way of politicians gleaning the views of the young on key issues they are voting on.
‘We tried this by setting up a Youth Council but we have put that to one side now as our motivation is to try to engage with as many young people as possible,’ Ken said. ‘Young people don’t want, and neither should they be saddled by, the responsibilities of adulthood but they can assist us to shape services so they are better and even cheaper.’
Ken continued: ‘We know from our youth clubs that when we give young people some responsibility for their management, they rise to the challenge and take a lead in decision-making.
‘Young people feel safe about living in the Isle of Man and understand its possibilities – and its limitations – more than we sometimes give them credit for.’
Respondents willing to leave a phone number were entered into a prize draw for an Apple iPad, iPod Touch and iPod Shuffle.
Zac Hall MHK, Member of the DEC with responsibility for the Youth Service, presented the winners with their prizes today (Friday).
Mr Hall said: ‘It is vital that we ensure that our young people feel fully integrated into the political process. Importantly, we must make sure we ask our young people what they want, rather than impose what we think they need.
‘Politicians have a lot to learn from young people in terms of the sheer diversity of opinion expressed by them. They are a motivated and engaged section of society. The challenge for us now will be to reach out to the majority of young people, who aren't already making their voices heard, and ensure that they all have a slice of the conversation.’
Skanco Business Systems kindly supported the survey.
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