Young people give their views on the riots in BYC report

More than three quarters of young people responding to a British Youth Council (BYC) survey on the August riots agree that young leaders will play an important role in creating a more equal society. BYC polled more than 900 young people across the UK, in the weeks following the riots.

OUR STREETS - The views of young people and young leaders on the riots in England in August 2011 found that most young people were shocked, angered and saddened, but not surprised by the riots.

Liam Preston, Chair of BYC, said: "The dominating theme in this report is that 'lack of respect' combined with 'opportunism' was the main reason why a minority of young people took part. But also rating highly was an anxiety around lack of jobs and opportunities. Whatever the reason we call on local communities to invite and involve young leaders in their debates to ensure all these issues are addressed together, as one community. They are our streets too and we can be part of the solution - not the problem".

BYC is calling for greater involvement and encouragement of young people, especially their leaders in the debate, and for the recognition of positive role models in the rebuilding of communities. Young people are part of communities and to neglect their views and role will undermine all of our futures.

The survey, which will feed into the government’s inquiry on the riots, found that:

93% of young people agree that young people need to speak out to the media and be involved in media debates on the riots.
88% of young people agree that youth leaders need to be supported to strengthen their communities.
84% of young people agree that cuts to youth service need to be reviewed.
79% of young people agree that young leaders will play an important role in creating a more equal society.

It also found that young people believed the biggest factor behind the riots was the "chance to get free stuff" (66.4 per cent), followed by poor parenting (57.5 per cent) and a lack of respecting right and wrong (57.1 per cent).

Recently, the Riots Communities and Victims panel asked for a greater number of young people to feed their views into their research.

Mon, 14/11/2011 - 15:54