Young people will become very cynical about their role as citizens if they cannot see democratic processes at work in their own lives

Peter Smith, ATL

Only 23% of the 11- to 16-year-olds understand how Parliament works and the same percentage claim never to have heard of the European Union.

While 87% said the most important characteristic of a good citizen was respecting others, only 19% defined citizenship as "having a say in what goes on".

But pupils did feel they had a responsibility to vote when they are older - 57% said it would be their "duty" to do so and 49% said it was important to vote.

Citizenship classes

The findings come as citizenship becomes a compulsory part of the national curriculum in England from this September.

The ATL says pupils' lack of knowledge and understanding of the democratic process must be tackled, so that youngsters become aware of how government works for them.

Peter Smith: "The research has considerable implications for schools"

General secretary of the ATL, Peter Smith, said the findings had "considerable implications" for secondary schools preparing to introduce the subject.

"There is a danger that young people will become very cynical about their role as citizens if they cannot see democratic processes at work in their own lives," said Mr Smith.

The union says school councils, where pupils have a genuine involvement in their surroundings, are one way of tackling the problem.

"School councils are a key element of citizenship education providing pupils with first hand experience of democratic structures and processes," said Mr Smith.

"Through these activities, pupils can develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be able to take an informed and active role in local, national and global society."

Members of ATL will discuss the issue at their annual conference in Cardiff this week.