“In the last issue of LA Youth, we ran a survey asking about our readers’ attitudes toward government and politics. Based on a similar study by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, our survey found that less than a third of teens who responded trust the government – about the same as the adults in the Pew study. But more teens than adults said they plan to vote in every election and feel they have a say about what government does.
Our survey got 103 responses. The average age of respondents is 16. About 69 percent are female and 31 percent are male.
We also asked readers to write in answers to questions about what their hopes and fears were for their future and that of the country. Most readers were concerned about getting a good job and staying safe in an increasingly violent world. Here are some responses:
My wishes and hopes for the future:
“I want to be guaranteed affordable living costs and affordable tuition for my child’s college fund.”
—Black female, 16, Middle College HS
“Mainly just to have a good job so I can support myself and help out my mom.”
—Latino female, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
“Making even a small difference in this chaotic, unbalanced world.”
—White female, 18, Moorpark College
“To succeed in school. To make something of myself. And to help make a change in the world.”
—Latino female, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
My fears and worries for the future:
“Being a lonely old man with no one to talk to.”
—Black male, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
“My worries about my future are that I live long enough to have one.”
—Black male, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
“My worries are that I won’t be able to find a good job.”
—Latino male, 18, Cheviot Hills HS
“Having my children be raised in a neighborhood where violence and drugs are involved.”
—Latino female, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
My wishes and hopes for the country’s future:
“Outlaw cigarettes and alcohol, and legalize marijuana.”
—White male, 17, Cheviot Hills
“Get a whole new government with people who care about the environment and this country.”
—Black female, 13, Middle College HS
“I wish and hope for people in all shapes and sizes to stop putting each other down because of color, height or weight.”
—Black male, 18
“Better government, better education, better cops, more jobs, more better paying jobs.”
—French, Mexican, Indian, Filipino female,
15, Cheviot Hills HS
My fears and worries for the country’s future:
“There will be more violence than there is now.”
—Indian female, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
“That minorities will never be treated equal.”
—Black male, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
“To get carried away and
start bossing other countries.”
—Filipino male, 17
“Having another war. Because there have been several bombings in the past month and I am really concerned.”
—Latino female, 17, Cheviot Hills HS
Survey says teens agree with adults on many issues
Here are the results of LA Youth’s survey, compared with those of the Pew survey:
I am highly satisfied with the state of the nation.
Adults in Pew survey: 20 percent
LA Youth survey: 18 percent
I basically trust the federal government in Washington.
Adults in Pew survey: 39 percent agree.
LA Youth survey: 22 percent agree.
The government is inefficient and wasteful.
Adults in Pew survey: 64 percent agree
LA Youth survey: 42 percent agree.
People like me don’t have any say about what the government does.
Adults in Pew survey: 46 percent agree
LA Youth survey: 38 percent agree.
I am frustrated with the government.
Adults in Pew survey: 56 percent
LA Youth survey: 54 percent agree.
The government should guarantee every citizen food and basic shelter.
Adults in Pew survey: 72 percent
LA Youth survey: 72 percent agree.
Everyone should have access to affordable health care.
Adults in Pew survey: 75 percent
LA Youth survey: 93 percent agree.
Everyone should be able to afford college.
Adults in Pew survey: 50 percent
LA Youth survey: 84 percent agree.
I favor an increase in minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.15.
Adults in Pew survey: 80 percent agree
LA Youth survey: 88 percent agree.
I favor hiring 100,000 teachers to reduce class size in public schools.
Adults in Pew survey: 82 percent agree.
LA Youth survey: 69 percent agree.
I regularly watch the news on TV.
Adults in Pew survey: 72 percent
LA Youth survey: 71 percent agree.
I regularly read newspapers.
Adults in Pew survey: 62 percent
LA Youth survey: 31 percent agree.
I regularly use a computer to go online to get info about current events, public issues or politics.
Adults in Pew survey: 24 percent
LA Youth survey: 22 percent agree.
I plan to vote in every election.
Adults in Pew survey: 51 percent
LA Youth survey: 72 percent agree.
Government is a good place to work.
Adults in Pew survey: 71 percent
LA Youth survey: 40 percent agree.
Young people should start their careers in politics or government.
Adults in Pew survey: 40 percent
LA Youth survey: 12 percent agree.”