Sixteen-year-olds inspire intense curiosity, high hopes and nagging fears - some of these turn out to be justified, others not. The results of this poll are surprising, predictable, alarming, reassuring and, overall, somehow present a likable picture. In other words, 16-year-olds are contradictory. They do eat a lot of chips, and do not read a great many books. But most would much rather be happy than rich, and care surprisingly little for fame or good looks. Nelson Mandela commands more admiration than David Beckham, but politicians and royalty trail way behind Kate Moss and Ms Dynamite in most 16-year-olds' estimation. Jordan enjoys the unusual distinction of being both their third most admired personality, and third most deplored. Unsurprisingly, she owes her place in the first category to the boys, and in the second to the girls - one of the few instances of strong gender disagreement. Three-quarters still believe in the concept of marriage, but only a third in God.
Progressives looking for evidence of social evolution will be encouraged that more than three-quarters of 16-year-olds have friends of a different race; most have gay friends; and barely any still consider certain occupations suitable only for either men or women.
Traditionalists may be reassured to learn that 43% consider love a prerequisite for sex. However, many more than half have already had at least one sexual partner (and 3% more than 10), indicating either a precocious propensity for romance, or a confusion of hormones for love.
Only 2% of boys, and even fewer girls, are willing to describe themselves as gay, and bisexuals account for 4%. An interestingly high one in 10 still do not know their sexual persuasion - all of which makes a little surprising the fact that more than half say they have gay friends. Either gay teenagers are immensely popular, or homosexuality is perhaps more easily ascribed to others than to oneself. (GUARDIAN, UK)