A study led by Queen's University Belfast has found that 78% of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland believe young people are less respected due to their age. The RADICAL project, involving surveys, group discussions and interviews with over 5,300 children and young people across the region, examined experiences of respect and disrespect in settings including schools, youth services, sports, policing, justice, and public spaces.

Females, same-sex attracted 16-year-olds, those with disabilities, and individuals from less affluent backgrounds reported higher levels of disrespect across more contexts. Young people with poorer mental health were also more likely to have experienced disrespect. Sexism was the most common form, with 49% of 16-year-olds reporting it a few times or many times, rising to 62% among young women compared to 31% of young men. Additionally, 64% of those identifying with a minority ethnic community experienced racism at least once, with 25% frequently.

Youth services emerged as the setting where young people felt most respected. The research indicated that feeling respected—through being cared for, included, listened to, and valued—correlates with higher engagement, participation, better attendance, stronger school engagement, and improved wellbeing.

The project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and involving partners including Ulster University, Belfast City Council, and Scouts NI, launched resources at Belfast City Hall on 23 February 2026. These include short films and research briefings on education, youth work, sport, policing, justice, public spaces, and experiences of disabled and LGBTQ young people.

Dr Siobhán McAlister, principal investigator from Queen's Centre for Children’s Rights, described the study as one of the first large-scale UK efforts centring children’s definitions of respect. Dr Gail Neill from Ulster University highlighted youth services' role amid funding challenges. NI Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn and Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly also commented on the findings.