Report highlights levels of racism among young

Junior Minister Robin Newton has launched a new report highlighting the attitudes and experiences of young people to ethnic minority groups.

'Attitudes to Difference', was produced by National Children’s Bureau and ARK and sponsored by OFMDFM. It reports the findings of over 5,000 interviews of young people.

Junior Minister Newton said: "The report highlights that some young people are experiencing racism and sectarianism in their lives, but also shows that young people have a strong moral compass with a number of respondents feeling that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.

"Education plays a key role in tackling ignorance and misunderstanding. Greater emphasis on the reality of people’s lives, dispelling myths and highlighting the richness that cultural diversity brings to our society can only lead to a healthier mindset,” he said.

He added: "The report shows that over one third of young people from minority ethnic groups are unsure as to whether they will stay here or leave. And the reasons they offer, leaving for better job opportunities or a better future all together, should concern us all.

"We have to tackle and change our attitudes at this fundamental level to create a society that will not just attract but retain the skills and talents that we nurture.

"This report will help us to identify measure and address how we can do that.”

The project found that racist bullying and name calling are experienced by young people of a different ethnic background.

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