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Research

O2 Survey shows young people’s concern about their future

09 August 2011

 

Half of young people do not believe they will have a secure job within the next five years - the research is part of a major O2 social responsibility programme Teesside University is evaluating.

The O2 Youth Matters research - part of O2 Think Big shows almost one in four of the 1,500 16 to 24 year-olds reported they sometimes felt depressed about their future due to a combination of pressures that harm their confidence.

The findings reveal just how bleak young people consider their prospects to be and paint a picture of what they see as the contributing factors, with 72 per cent saying that there are not enough good quality jobs for young people.

When it comes to the root causes of this predicament, 57 per cent believe employers discriminate against them because of their age, whilst over half blame poor advice and support in finding work.

Young people also think that the media’s obsession with celebrity creates unachievable role models and is damaging to young people’s self esteem (82 per cent). Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) believe that the media portrays young people negatively and, as a consequence, young people are poorly perceived by adults in general (68 per cent), by employers (62 per cent).

Commenting on the research, Bill Eyres, Head of Think Big at O2, said: 'The message from young people is clear. Given the very tough economic conditions and high levels of unemployment they face, they need support from Government and organisations to help them take action.

'The good news is there is growing evidence, as we’ve seen through O2’s Think Big programme, that giving young people the opportunity to make a difference in their community, by trusting them with funding, we can help provide them with a route back to confidence and employability.'

Teesside University’s youth and communities expert Professor Tony Chapman, who has helped shape and develop the O2 Youth Matters research project, said: 'Young people are very aware of the many challenges that face them today. The survey results provide evidence to show just how worried young people are. It’s a warning shot to society, showing that steps must be taken to build the resilience of our young people.'

Those questioned are clear on the steps necessary for improving their prospects, including: • the Government should offer more incentives to employers to take on young people and increase the number of on the job training opportunities. • businesses to provide more structured volunteering programmes to develop work skills and increase their involvement and support of careers advisory services.

More than two fifths of those surveyed consider they have a responsibility to play a role in their local communities. A significant number of young adults are already making a positive contribution in their communities with 29 per cent volunteering their time for coaching sports, 23 per cent helping in schools, and 22 per cent supporting youth activities outside school. • For more details visit www.o2.co.uk/news


 
 
 
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