Of those teens eligible to vote at the next general election, four out of five plans to cast a vote, according to a study released today.
Of those teens eligible to vote at the next general election, four out of five plans to cast a vote, according to a study released today.
The survey by Norwich Union into teen attitudes revealed that recent political events may have re-engaged young people with the process, by making them keen to visit the ballot box.
If they follow their voting intentions, youngsters will be bucking a strongly downward trend. Research by the Economic and Social Research Council showed 68 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted in 1997 and just 21 per cent did so in 2001.
The poll commissioned by Norwich Union probed 450 young people aged 13 to 19 about their knowledge and views of politics and the adults running our country. More than half don’t think the Government is doing a good job and three in five have no idea who is in opposition to Tony Blair.
But before the next election, today’s youngsters have another chance to engage with the political process – through the Citizenship Foundation’s National Youth Parliament Competition, sponsored by Norwich Union.
The National Youth Parliament Competition 2003/4 – launched yesterday (16 June) at 10 Downing Street by Cherie Booth QC – aims to encourage a sense of citizenship among 11 to 18-year-olds and to provide an active insight into democracy.
Young people are asked to produce a video of their own mock parliamentary session, including Prime Minister's question time, and a panel of MPs judge the entries. The competition also supports the citizenship curriculum, which is now statutory in England for 11- 16-year-olds.
Nick Pierson, head of public affairs at Norwich Union, said: “Our research reveals youngsters have a basic faith in the democratic process. The vast majority still intend to vote. We’re confident the National Youth Parliament Competition will stimulate this sense of responsible citizenship in teenagers.”
Tony Breslin, chief executive of the Citizenship Foundation, said: “A lot is said about young people not being interested in politics. Norwich Union’s research and the quality of entrants to the National Youth Parliament Competition tell us that there is real interest: it is the task of all involved in politics and education to ensure that this is nurtured and developed.”
To take part in the National Youth Parliament Competition 2003/4, you can download an application form from www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk, call 020 7367 0500 or e-mail NYPC@citizenshipfoundation.org.uk. Deadline for applications: 7 December 2003
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Media contacts:
Matthew Buchanan/Charlotte Ruddlesdin at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424
David Ross/Liz Kennett at Norwich Union Press Office on 08703 66 68 67
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Notes to editors:
- Norwich Union commissioned Brand & Issues Research to speak to 455 young people during April 2003.
- The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity (no. 801360) working throughout the UK and overseas to promote more effective citizenship through education about the law, democracy and society. Founded in 1989, it aims to empower people, particularly the young and disadvantaged, with the knowledge, skills and understanding to engage positively with their communities.
Our work includes:
- A comprehensive range of citizenship resources for a wide audience from teachers to young offenders
- Nationwide bespoke training on all aspects of the Citizenship curriculum.
- National active learning projects for secondary schools.
- Community-based projects to develop citizenship education as a collective responsibility.
www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
- Sponsorship of the National Youth Parliament Competition is part of Norwich Union’s responsible citizenship programme, which seeks to encourage individuals, business and Government not only to explore their rights but to take responsibility for their actions. www.aviva.com.
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer with a market share of around 16 per cent and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
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- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
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