‘Irish young people’s confidence in downward spiral’ says new research

A new study of 15 to 24 year olds, released by Electric Ireland, reveals 4 in 5 young people feel the Irish public have a negative view of them with the vast majority (71%) citing the media as the reason for this misrepresentation. Almost 1 in 3 young people reported a lack of self confidence and 57% feel that the media has contributed to that.

The research was commissioned by Electric Ireland to mark its sponsorship of the Young St. Vincent de Paul (Young SVP) Youth Development programme, which encourages young people to get involved in social action and promotes their social and personal development. The results demonstrate a disconnect between how young people in Ireland today feel they are perceived by the public, versus how they really are.

When asked in more detail about how they feel the media portrays them, 74% of young people say the media exaggerate stories about youths today. In stark contrast, when asked, only 24% believe Irish people have actually had a bad experience of young people, suggesting that the media has a strong influence on Irish people’s attitudes. However, 65% of young people feel that Irish adults don’t take the time to get to know or understand them.

Of the respondents who have been part of the Young SVP programme, 57% say it made them more confident, 62% say it made them more aware of social justice, 48% more ready to help other people and 39% felt the programme made them more job ready.

To coincide with the release of the survey, Electric Ireland has created a cutting edge short film titled #WhatDoYouSee. Available to view on WhatDoYouSee.ie, the film uses innovative technology, enabling a mobile in-browser, dual-message experience showcasing two perspectives of teenagers in Ireland, challenging the viewer to have a smarter perception of youth participation in the community.

Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland, commented: “While perceptions of our young people are not always as positive as they should be, at Electric Ireland we see the potential of young people in Ireland and continuously champion them through our sport, music and charity partnerships. The hope is that the Young SVP programme makes them more confident and helps them to grow and develop on a personal level and gives our society another opportunity to witness the potential of our young people.”

Commenting on the survey results, Kieran Stafford, National Vice President at SVP said: “The results of the research speak for themselves; young people in Ireland are doing amazing things, and everyone should be doing more to celebrate this. We are thrilled to be supported by Electric Ireland on this and other programmes so we can reach thousands of young people across the country and help those young people express their true value to society.”

Survey Highlights

• 4 in 5 young people feel the Irish public have a negative view of them.
• 71% cite the media as the reason for this misrepresentation.
• 74% of young people say the media exaggerate stories about youths today.
• 1 in 3 young people reported a lack of self confidence and 57% feel that the media has contributed to that.

Of the respondents who have been part of the Young SVP programme;

• 57% say it made them more confident.
• 62% say it made them more aware of social justice.
• 48% more ready to help other people.
• 39% felt the programme made them more job ready

The Youth Lab conducted this research in January & February 2016 in partnership with the Young SVP programme. Over 270 responses were gathered from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland, through an online survey from an even spread of young people aged 15 – 24. 36% of respondents have been part of the Young SVP programme.  The Youth Lab is the research and insights division of Thinkhouse, the youth communications agency, based in Dublin.