The study was designed to explore children’s understanding of the three
elements of citizenship identified by the report of the Advisory Group on Citizenship
(DfEE, 1998): social and moral responsibility, community involvement, and political
literacy. The research was undertaken in seven On Track project areas and one
pilot area, which also has high deprivation.
KEY FINDINGS
Children generally
understand the reasons for rules and accept their legitimacy. They report
finding it easier to renegotiate rules at home than at school.
The biggest
complaint by children, particularly about the school environment, was that
they are not listened to. A few schools had participatory systems to encourage
children to become involved in decision-making in school, but many children
were sceptical of these schemes where they thought their involvement was tokenistic.
Children are
quick to spot unfairness, especially where they feel that rules are not being
applied reasonably.
Children were
interested in current affairs but some children and young people voiced their
cynicism about politicians and their lack of trust in the political system.
The children
reported very limited involvement in formal voluntary activity, but they do
undertake informal “helping” activities on a much greater scale.