'26% of children back independence'

Sep 23 2012

A quarter of teenagers who would be eligible to vote in the 2014 independence referendum under proposals to lower the voting age are in favour of separation, according to a newspaper poll.

A survey of almost 2,500 schoolchildren across Scotland found 59% opposed to a break-up of the UK, 26% supported the move and 15% were unsure.

The Scottish Mail on Sunday asked fourth year pupils at 24 schools how they would vote if given the right.

The Scottish Government proposes extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.

A total of 2,457 pupils at both state and private schools took part in the poll carried out from September 3 to 17.

It asked "Do you believe Scotland should be an independent country?"

The survey also garnered support for the lowering of the voting age to 16 for the referendum.

According to the newspaper, 66% backed the move, 24% were against and 10% did not know.

Torry Academy in Aberdeen, Hutchesons' Grammar School in Glasgow and Hawick High School in the Borders were among those which took part.