Young people living in disadvantaged areas should be given a voice in the regeneration of their communities, a new study found today.
The research, funded by the Combat Poverty Agency and Trinity College's Children's Research Centre, identified that many youths often have no alternative but to hang around on the streets.
Helen Johnston, director of the Combat Poverty Agency
The study found many teenagers feel their needs go ignored and they are excluded by politicians and community development committees. The authors called for community-owned recreational amenities and designated youth areas to help children hang out with their friends in safety.
Helen Johnston, director of the agency, said the research showed that communities, neighbourhoods and social spaces influence how young people perceive their place in society.
"They highlight the sense of marginalisation and isolation experienced by some young people, which is often due to a negative image of their social environment. The challenge is to ensure that policy makers and community groups understand the need to develop a more holistic approach to addressing free time and leisure needs in disadvantaged communities," she said.
A survey among 12 to 18-year-olds living in disadvantaged areas found many believe the regeneration of their areas in some cases resulted in them being barred or excluded from using privately-owned commercial leisure complexes. Statistics have already shown one in ten children are living in consistent poverty in Ireland.
A report by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) found the majority of Irish households on social welfare or taking home the minimum wage are in risk of living in poverty.
At the conference, Children Living with Poverty and Disadvantage: New Knowledge, New Perspectives, Professor Sheila Greene, director of the research centre, said: "We need to understand how children and young people experience poverty and disadvantage and to take their experience and their view points into account when planning interventions.
"The study on young people's free time and leisure clearly reveals that young people want to participate in shaping the development of their local area."
The study called for young people in disadvantaged areas to be given a voice and opportunity to participate in the regeneration of their communities. The authors said youths should be directly consulted when designing or planning any service or leisure facility for young people.
Many of the 80 young people surveyed said they wanted to be able to spend time with their friends safely and without harassment.
Another study also being carried out by the research centre is following how even young children are aware of the positive and negative aspects of their neighbourhoods. It is using photography to allow children to express their own feelings and concerns about living in an area where there is crime, litter and vandalism.
PA