Statistics on engagement of young people in culture, arts and leisure 2016

The Department for Communities (DfC) today released the publication ‘Engagement in culture, arts and leisure by young people in Northern Ireland 2016’.

Main findings:

• In 2016, almost all young people in Northern Ireland (99%) had participated in sport and more than nine in every 10 young people (93%) had engaged with the arts in the previous year.  Both proportions were similar to comparable figures for 2013.
• The proportions of young people who used the public library service (54%) or visited any museum or science centre (70%) in 2016 were slightly lower than in 2013.
• Young people who are entitled to free school meals have lower engagement rates than those who are not, particularly for those who visited museums and science centres and places of historic interest.

This publication is available on the DfC website.

Requests or enquiries concerning these statistics should be directed to:

Tel: 028 9082 9255
Email: asu@communities-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. This publication presents the results of the Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitudes Survey (YPBAS), a school-based survey carried out among 11-16 year olds and covers a wide range of topics relevant to the lives of young people today, administered by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). Further information on the survey including sample design and response rates is included in the definitions and technical notes and metadata sections of the statistical release.
2. This report provides information on trends over time in engagement and participation across the various components of culture, arts and leisure including key findings relating to differences in participation rates among young people entitled to free school meals and those not entitled. The bulletin includes key statistics on sports participation; engagement, attendance and participation in the arts; usage of the public library service; visits to museums and science centres; and visits to historic buildings, gardens, monuments; or cities or towns with historic character.
3. As in previous years, more detailed analyses will be provided, including breakdowns by Section 75 groups, in further bulletins to be released over the coming months.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 3516 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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