Teenagers feel safer in their neighbourhoods

Eighty-three per cent of young Londoners feel safe in their neighbourhoods, a survey reveals.

The figure has risen from 77 per cent in 2004, with under a third concerned about knife crime.

The Young Londoners Survey, launched today by Boris Johnson, collected views from 1,000 teenagers on the Olympics, environment, crime, transport, education and culture.

It revealed that 22 per cent felt unsafe because of a fear of mugging and the same figure were scared by gangs of teenagers on the streets.

The survey also showed that young people are looking forward to the Olympics and are optimistic about job prospects. A total of 84 per cent of 11- to 16-year-olds said they felt the Olympics would be good for the capital, with 43 per cent thinking it will lead to more youngsters playing sport and 25 per cent confident it will mean better leisure facilities.

More than two thirds were anticipating gaining good jobs after finishing their education.

Mr Johnson said: "Olympic enthusiasm is riding sky high with young people. I'm spending £15.5million on nurturing our next 2012 hopefuls with new boxing, swimming, football and judo clubs.

"I truly believe that if we engage every young person with an interest after school, from sports, music and dance to team-building groups like the Scouts, we can nurture their ambition."

The Mayor revealed the findings before a question session with hundreds of youngsters at the Indigo 02.