Civic participation and youth voice
Our Voices Coming Out of Lockdown
Northern Ireland Youth Forum · 2020
About this report
The Northern Ireland Youth Forum (NIYF) ran two surveys during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, gathering 1,065 responses from young people across Northern Ireland. The research found that young people's key concerns included mental health, boredom, isolation, and education, with post-lockdown worries shifting to socialising, adjusting to new measures, and health and wellbeing. A striking finding was that 72.5% of respondents felt their voice had not been considered important, and 80% felt decision-makers were not listening to them. Despite widespread anxiety, many young people also expressed hope and a desire to contribute to their communities during the crisis.
Research details
- Methodology
- Survey
- Sample size
- 1,065
- Sample
- Young people across Northern Ireland; broadly representative of the NI population with high representation from 15–17 year olds (36%).
- Who it's about
- NEET (not in education, employment or training)
- Locality
- Belfast
- Place
- Northern Ireland
- Youth involvement
- No youth involvement