Sectarian Views Are Inherited, say Young People in Scotland

29 September 2011

Research by a leading children's charity has revealed that over a third of young people (36%) have been treated badly or unfairly because of sectarianism or some other form of hatred, with nearly half (44%) of young people believing that sectarian views are a direct result of upbringing, rather than religious beliefs (25%).

Action for Children surveyed children and young people about their experiences of sectarianism and views on the Scottish Government's proposals to tackle the issue through the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill. The charity spoke to young people aged between 14-20 years supported by its services, many from the West ofScotlandwhere sectarianism has historically been a significant problem.

The findings of the survey have been submitted to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee, and the charity hopes they will be looked at as part of its consideration for the new bill.

Key findings included:

36% confirmed that they had been treated badly or unfairly because of sectarianism or some other form of hatred
62% confirmed that the problem of sectarianism was wider than just being a problem at football matches and on the Internet, and they were aware of it on a regular basis.
44% believe that sectarian views are a direct result of upbringing, while 25% attributed sectarian views to religious beliefs;
65% said they believe that sectarianism is increasing inScotland;
47% believe that tougher sentences will not bring an end to sectarianism and other forms of hatred inScotland;
62% think that primary and secondary schools should take action to help tackle sectarianism.
Paul Carberry, operational director of children services,Scotlandat Action for Children, said:

"These findings paint a worrying picture of how sectarianism is directly affecting young people in communities acrossScotlandright now, and the problem only appears to be getting worse.

"Nearly two-thirds of young people we spoke to confirmed sectarianism is not just a problem in football grounds and on the internet - they told us they are aware of it on a regular basis.

"We believe that the Scottish Government should listen to young people's voices when making decisions about how to handle sectarian behaviour at football matches. As people experiencing the issues first hand, they have to play a role in creating long-lasting solutions."

The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill seeks to create two new offences relating to behaviour that can incite religious, racial or other forms of hatred, in and around football grounds and on the internet. If approved, the Bill will see offenders face up to five years in prison upon conviction and the possibility of a football banning order.

However, almost half (47%) of young people surveyed by Action for Children do not believe that tougher sentences will not bring an end to sectarianism and other forms of hatred in Scotland. Gordon Taylor (20) said:

"Sectarianism isn't a problem in my area, but for those areas where it is young people should be taught about it at school. This is so they know it's only about football and isn't worth getting into trouble for."

Jordan Devlin (17) agreed that young people should be taught about the effects of sectarianism at school. He said:

"Sectarianism is known where I live but I keep out of it. Young people should be made aware of it at school so it doesn't effect where we live."

Action for Children surveyed 114 young people as part of its research into the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill.

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