Break the Stereotype, Fix the Impression

Brent Youth Parliament (BYP) have launched a nationwide survey called ‘Break the Stereotype, Fix the Impression’. The survey will ask people of all ages and backgrounds questions on how young people are perceived and to assess whether current observations of young people are distorted and largely negative.

The survey will be circulated throughout the country and to all MPs at the House of Commons as the BYP and UK Youth Parliament see the issue as a UK concern.

BYP members decided this survey was needed because they were concerned that society and the media see all young people as being badly behaved and rude, caused mainly due to the small minority who misbehave and seem more visible. The group believes that, unless these impressions are challenged, young people will inherit an attitude that could cause lasting damage for future generations.

Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent South stated,” Peoples insights of young people are paramount to how young people are treated. Brent Youth Parliament, is quite rightly investigating and probing perceptions, they are convinced that this work is vital to the future generation of this country, I also believe it is important and that is why I am forwarding the survey to all the MPs at the House of Commons”.

Kishan Parshotam, a BYP member said, “Young people need to identify and understand the older generations perception of them, the results of this survey will help bridge the gap between the generations as it is a joint responsibility.”

Everyone who completes the survey will be in with a chance of winning a new Apple iPod Nano with video camera and FM radio!

Survey deadline: Sunday 15 November 2009. The results of the survey will be published on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

Take the Break the Stereotype, Fix the Impression survey