An axcertp, just to give people too lazy to click the link to show what it is about:

Seen and Not Heard: Voices of Young British Muslims

Much is written about young British Muslims, but what are young Muslims themselves saying and thinking about the lives they live?

A major new study of Britain’s Muslim youth published today argues that young Muslims clearly see themselves as British, but also feel let down in several ways by a society that misreads them - but wastes no time in speaking about them! Seen and Not Heard: Voices of Young British Muslims, by Sughra Ahmed, is the result of 18 months of rigorous research across England, Scotland and Wales listening to and analysing the voices, feelings and aspirations of young people from across the UK.

The report enables female and male voices to express, in their own words, their outlook and how they feel they are perceived, scoping topical issues such as intergenerational challenges, identity, gender, religious teachings, mosques, policing and the media.

Sughra Ahmed, author of the report commented, “We are used to hearing about young Muslims in the context of radicalisation of Muslim opinion, but their lives are far more complex. They feel a strong sense of patriotism, but also feel let down by voices that do not do justice to their aspirations. Young people are comfortable in negotiating their multiple identities, but some also feel a sense of disconnection from older generations as well as pressure from a society that increasingly stereotypes young people.”

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Salaam

I read parts of the report and think that we've waited a long time for someone to carry out this research.
Also the recommendations are very relevant and I think it is important that this research is taken seriously especially by the Government and other groups in leadership.
I have worked for many years in the voluntary sector and feel that there are many complex challenges facing Muslim youth, however although the media often only concentrates on the negative aspects, there are many positive aspects which are highlighted within the report. Many of the participants showed that they were just normal teenagers and those issues also affected them, along with added issues due to their Muslim identity.

However all participants wanted to be part of British society and wanted to contribute to the the society around them. I've come across this same view from my own experience of growing up and also my interaction with current teenagers.
I feel that although the report is small and only the beginning of the iceberg this is a very significant report.
I must add though that I don't believe that all Muslim youth have the exact same issues, I was brought up in Edinburgh, Scotland and I am very aware that my upbringing was very different from friends and contacts from Glasgow which is only a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.

Do you think the survey may have been "self selecting"? ie only those of a particular viewpoint would have been motivated to take part?