16/06/2009

Tenth Of Young Men Carry Weapons

One in 10 teenagers admit regularly carrying weapons in public, according to a new report launched today by the University of Ulster.

The university revealed the main results of the research, which were based on the opinions of 130 teenagers – aged from 13 to 16 – on their experiences of violence, conflict and safety. The sample included young men from different areas of Northern Ireland.

The report, called 'Stuck in the Middle', has been written by the Director of the charity Working with Men, based in London.

It appears after six month working with the Centre for Young Mens' Studies at the University of Ulster.

It has concluded that conflict and violence impact on the lives of most of the persons polled, having their personal safety as a daily consideration.

One in 10 surveyed admit to carrying weapons – including knives – regularly.

It also emerged that sectarianism, ethnicity and geography are important factors in regard to young mens' experience of violence.

The Co-Director of the Centre, Dr Ken Harland, said that surprisingly "very little seems to have changed in spite of the peace process".

"Too many young men appear to be 'stuck' between old and new beliefs and attitudes, inhabiting a ceasefire world, rather than one that is changing with peace," he said.

The goal of the report is to start off a debate over the needs and problems of young men.

It also makes tentative suggestions of initiatives that would increase safety and reduce violence and conflict within communities.

(AC/BMcc)

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