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Find out why teenagers believe the Government is biased against them
British teenagers feel they are being victimised by the Government, a survey revealed today.
The internet study of 13-to 18-year-olds showed 67% felt Government policy was biased against their age group.
Almost half of the teenagers said they had 'absolutely no respect' for politicians but 63% said they would take part in the next general election if the voting age was lowered to allow them.
Climate concern
The poll, conducted by social network site Piczo, found climate change was the main issue of concern to 42% of teenagers, ahead of terrorism and global poverty, both on 13%.
Some 31% of the teens surveyed said they were apathetic about taking part in a general election because they felt their vote would not affect policy.
One in five (22%) felt the best way to affect policy was through public demonstrations rather than writing to their MP and 46% said they had no respect for politicians.
Chris Seth, Piczo's European managing director, said the survey highlighted the need for politicians to find a new way to connect with the next generation of voters.
He said: "Teenagers have always struggled to find a voice and influence their environment, and the survey results reflect their frustration with this.
"If politicians are to attain greater credibility amongst teens there is a responsibility for them to reach out and listen to this younger audience.
"Our research revealed that 76% of teens spend more time on the internet than watching television.
"This highlights the increased need for UK political parties to actively increase their online presence; a point that has been clearly taken on board by the Republicans and Democrats in the 2008 US Primaries."
Piczo surveyed 1,500 UK 13-18-year-olds in January.
