Young people are interested in politics and want to know more about it, according to new findings out on Wednesday.

A report published by the children and young persons unit in the Home Office revealed that the image of young people being apathetic about politics is far from the truth.

The report, "Up Front", based on a survey of young people, finds there would be more of a reaction from people voting for the first time if they were not demonised by politicians.

Young people wanted to learn more about politics at school and urged politicians to take them more seriously.

They also considered that their interest in political issues, from tax to asylum seekers, was no different to older voters.

Home Office minister John Denham, education minister Stephen Twigg and Baroness Scotland of the Lord Chancellor's department launched the report - and a film that goes with it - at a London cinema.

The report was ordered by the government following the dismal turnout at the general election which saw just 39 per cent of people aged between 18 and 24 voting.

"We're not disinterested - we just need the information presented clearly. Most adults feel the same," said one of the respondents.

Recommendations from the survey included a call for politicians to follow the example of Tony Benn's visit to the Glastonbury rock festival at the weekend.

Most welcomed politicians visiting clubs and music venues to talk in informal environments.

But there were also warnings.

"Don't view every meeting with young people as an opportunity for gimmicky press coverage," the report recommended.