MORE than 1,100 young people have taken part in the Department of Education and Children youth service's annual online survey.
The 11 to 21 year olds answered questions about school life, health, activities and free time.
Principal youth officer Ken Callister said it was hoped that by asking young people to complete the survey independently via the Youth Service website rather than through their school or college they would be willing participants and would offer more candid views.
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.
When it came 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.
Ken said: "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.
"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.
"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.
Member of the DEC with responsibility for the Youth Service, Zac Hall MHK, presented the winners with their prizes.
He 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 supported the survey.
The picture shows first prize winner Toby Blatcher, 16, from Ramsey Grammar School, second prize winner Cameron Inglis, 12, from Ballakermeen High School and third prize winner Josh Cushing, 15, from Queen Elizabeth II High School, receiving their prizes from Zac Hall MHK
