Young people across Ireland have felt uncertainty surrounding Brexit with some apprehensive that it could have been a catalyst for a return to conflict in the north, a new report has found.
The research also shows that participants unanimously agreed that the decision to leave the European Union was “not a good thing”.
The report, Listen Up! Children’s Voices on the Future, saw young people give their views on Brexit and how they can participate in decisions affecting their lives, community and wider society.
The research suggests that young people had contrasting perceptions on the peace and stability of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.
For many across Ireland there was an underlying apprehension that Brexit would be a catalyst for a return to conflict in the north.
While participants in the north thought it unlikely that things would get worse, they were aware of a range of negative effects such as receiving goods, paramilitary activity and general political unrest.
Other key findings reveal that racist attitudes were increasingly noticeable with many families no longer feeling able to stay in the UK post-Brexit.
The research, commissioned by the Children’s Law Centre and Children’s Rights Alliance, also revealed the fear of some young people on what it means to be Irish and the role of the Irish language as a strong feature of Irish identity.
Many were concerned about the loss of the language and expressed a need for more opportunities for immersive learning.
Fergal McFerran from the Children’s Law Centre said: “The young people highlighted in the report are very clear in their understanding of all of the big challenges facing us locally, regionally and globally.
“In relation to Brexit, many of the young people highlighted their concerns around heightened tensions, xenophobia and deteriorating community relations as a result of Brexit.
“They also articulated a sense of frustration at the way in which the media and politicians characterised post Brexit arrangements.
“The key takeaway is that the young people have clear views and many felt the impact of Brexit, yet they weren’t consulted on it.
“Major decisions like this cannot be taken without asking children and young people for their views.”
Tanya Ward of the Children’s Rights Alliance said the research “demonstrates how bigger social and political issues permeate through all levels of society”.
“We hear from very young children who are aware of the wider global narrative and are very conscious of the experiences of their friends and their community,” she said.
“Yet, children and many young people did not get the opportunity to vote in a decision that immediately and irrefutably changed their lives.
“While we may be through the critical negotiations, governments in both jurisdictions have a long road ahead navigating the impact of Brexit.
“It is essential that young people are given the opportunity to shape it as the next generation who will need to carry this responsibility.”
