Two thirds of young people say media negatively affects views on refugees
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in The Executive Office present findings on young people's attitudes to asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland in 2025.
The publication draws on data from the Young Life and Times survey, an annual survey of 16-year-olds living in Northern Ireland. Respondents were asked about their views on five statements relating to refugees and asylum seekers.
Key findings
- Just over half (51%) of respondents agreed it is our duty to provide protection to refugees escaping persecution, a significant decrease from the 2022 peak of 66%, though not significantly different from 2024 (55%).
- One third (34%) agreed that Northern Ireland is a society that welcomes refugees, a significant increase from 2017 (25%) but a significant decrease from 2024 (43%).
- Almost two thirds (64%) agreed that media coverage negatively affects perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers, similar to 2024 (63%).
- One third (33%) would like more opportunities to get to know asylum seekers or refugees, a significant decrease from 2023 (44%) when the question was first asked.
- Just over one quarter (26%) agreed that refugees positively contribute to our society, in the first year this question was asked.
About the publication
The full report examines responses to five attitude statements, with comparisons over time where data is available. Supplementary data tables provide breakdowns by gender, religion, disability and ethnic group. Data was collected between 16 April and 16 May 2025, with 2,129 valid responses representing an overall response rate of 35%.
Further information
Read the full report: Young people's attitudes to refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland 2025
View background information and previous publications: Refugees and asylum seekers