Young People On Edinburgh

Additional discounts for young people, more work experience and a greater say in decisions that will affect them are what young people in Scotland's capital want according to new research by MORI Scotland.

The Viewfinder 2 survey, commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council's Youth Services, was among more than 5,000 young people in Edinburgh. It aimed to gain their views on how to improve services and quality of life in the city.

Over two-thirds of young people feel that Edinburgh is a great place to be young (69%). The majority also feel safe walking in their local neighbourhood during the day (77%) although almost one in 10 (eight per cent) do not.

Three quarters (76%) of young people said they would like more Edinburgh Young Scot discounts the same proportion would also like to see more opportunities for work experience.

More than half of all young people would like their views to be listened to by involving young people when important decisions are being made (52%); through newspapers, television, videos and websites (52%), and through organised events for young people. Furthermore around one in six say they would personally stand for election as a youth representative or sit on a committee that makes important decisions.

The majority of young people support banning smoking in public places (66%), with half expressing strong support for the ban (50%). Half of all young people also support lowering the voting age to 16 (51%).

Technical details

This research study is targeted at 11-21 year olds living across Edinburgh. In total, 5,728 young people completed the survey from 11th October - 3rd December 2004. Self-completion questionnaires were completed by young people through local authority mainstream, special and independent schools. Over 120 youth agencies and organisations also distributed questionnaires as well as colleges and universities. Stalls were also set up in shopping centres and the questionnaire was available online.