Stereotypes of today’s youth as,’ violent’ ‘disrespectful’ or ‘apathetic’ have been challenged by a survey of 16-25 year olds which revealed a very different picture. The survey was carried out by the National Young Volunteers Service, a charity which aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers.

The survey found that 82 per cent of youngsters did own a ‘hoodie’, but this does not equate to anti-social behaviour. Some 85 per cent of young people said that they or their friends don’t carry knives, while 86 per cent had never shoplifted goods worth more than a fiver. In contradiction of another stereotype, 69 per cent did not agree that drugs were ok for recreational use.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of 16-25 year olds respect their elders, that 75 per cent are happy with the relationship they have with their family and 68 per cent are content living at home. This is a stark contrast between many modern day perceptions and the truth of what it’s really like to be a young person living in the UK today.

The top concerns of the people who responded to the survey were expressed as education, their future, employment, family and the state of the world.

The poll also revealed that young people are becoming increasingly disillusioned with society and the government with 71 per cent believing that we do not live in a fair society and 59 per cent feeling the world is becoming a worse place. Over half of respondents said the recession has affected them, but only 10 per cent of young people feel that politicians are the best people to change the country.