Young people see understanding economy as key life skill

The findings were based on the views of more than 1,300 young people from the North West, voting at the Institute’s Young Citizens’ Action Event held last week in Manchester.
 
Findings showed that 70 per cent of young people say that having some understanding of how the economy works is now an essential part of citizenship life skills education.
 
In addition, 66 per cent said they have become interested in the economy as a result of the banking failures and 67 per cent believe banks should be more accountable. But 65 per cent say they are not being taught relevant financial skills or being educated about the economy.
 
Dawn Butler, minister for young citizens and youth engagement, launched the government’s Agenda for Youth Engagement at the event, in response to recommendations made by the Youth Citizenship Commission.
 
"The government wants to help young people access the growing opportunities that exist for them to get involved in shaping the future and, as part of that, a youth citizenship information hub is now available on the Directgov digital portal," she said. "The new hub and a range of other initiatives will help empower young people to take an active role in the democratic process."