Young 'more interested' in politics

New figures have suggested that young people are becoming more interested in politics despite the stereotype of increasingly apathetic youths.

 

A NOP World poll found 81 per cent of 500 16 to 20-year-olds felt strongly about political issues such as crime and education.

 

Three out of four said they discussed current affairs with their friends and family, with global terrorism heading the list of "big issues".

 

Most of those questioned said they would sign a petition or contact a politician about an issue affecting them directly, 48 per cent would join a rally or demonstration and 42 per cent would boycott a product or service.

 

Another poll of 500 people aged between 21 and 25 found they were less likely than today's teenagers to have been interested in politics when they were younger.

 

The surveys were commissioned to launch mock elections which will be held in schools across the UK between now and the general election, expected on May 5.

 

Sam Younger, chairman of the Electoral Commission, said: "These findings show that Britain's young people are far from apathetic about the issues that matter most to their lives.

 

"We know that young people often feel disengaged from democratic life, and we believe in working creatively to encourage their interest and participation.

 

"Mock elections can play an extremely valuable role in helping young people understand how the democratic process works and why it matters."