Fewer than 60 students were interviewed in a recently released survey of teenagers views on racism.

The 1997 survey -- released just last week -- was contained in the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality's 1997 Annual Report. The actual number of participants was not included in the report, but the findings were revealed.

The survey showed that of the 59 respondents, 89.8 percent believed that racism was a problem, with one out of every five viewing it as a serious problem.

Six in ten of the respondents felt that stereotyping was the major cause of racism, and 62 percent felt that race relations could be improved with more understanding.

Respondents felt that churches, Government, and social clubs all practised discrimination, but did not say to what degree.

A total of 69.5 percent felt that there was a lot of discrimination in the criminal justice system, while 67.8 percent felt that employers practised discrimination.

Some 59.3 percent felt that a lot of discrimination took place in the general workplace, while half felt that the media practised discrimination.

Just over one fifth of the respondents -- 20.3 percent -- felt that race relations in Bermuda were much better than other countries and nearly half -- 44.8 percent -- felt they were somewhat better.

But 27.1 percent of the teenagers surveyed felt race relations in Bermuda were no different from other countries. Only 6.8 percent felt they were worse.

CURE executive director, Sharol Simmons, pointed out that the survey was carried out by one student employed with the Government summer scheme.

"That student sent out forms to the 64 other students who were on the programme and 59 replied,'' she told The Royal Gazette .

Admitting that the survey did not give a true indication of teenagers' views Island wide, Mrs. Simmons insisted that the results were helpful.

"While it is true that the results may not be a true reflection of our target group, they do offer the committee a useful baseline from which to work,'' she said.

A survey which encompasses the target group -- the Island's teenagers, is planned. Mrs. Simmons said it might take place this summer.

"We are planning a more detailed random survey for this group,'' she noted.

Efforts to offer teenagers some education on racism is high on the agenda of CURE. Mrs. Simmons revealed that the commission was "keenly interested in developing programmes for young people'' and "establishing a specific plan of action''.