A recent survey conducted by the children's commissioner has revealed that a significant number of teenagers are feeling anxious about their futures and are uncertain about whether they will participate in the next general election. The poll found that 28% of 13 to 17-year-olds were undecided about which party to support, while 20% were unsure if they would vote at all. Additionally, 11% stated they had no intention of voting in the upcoming election.
The research also highlighted widespread concerns among young people, with nine out of ten expressing worries about issues such as housing, finances, academic success, and global conflict. Pip Sayers, youth programme manager at The Politics Project, a non-partisan organisation focused on democratic education and engagement, noted that one of the biggest challenges is the lack of spaces for young people to engage in meaningful political debate, both within and outside of schools. He emphasised the need to help young people understand how political decisions affect the issues they care about and their daily lives.
Tips to Engage Teenagers in Politics
Talk About Issues They Already Care About
Sayers recommends starting by discovering what issues matter to teenagers. For instance, if they are passionate about a particular football club or concerned about climate change, these topics can be linked to political positions. By connecting politics to their existing interests, young people may become more engaged.
Find Local Issues That Connect With Them
Another suggestion is to show teenagers a map of their local area and ask them about places they avoid or feel unsafe. Discussing what they would change can help them think about local issues that directly impact them, fostering a sense of connection to politics.
Talk to Them About the News
Simple conversations about current events, both local and global, can spark interest. Sayers advises parents to discuss news stories with their children, encouraging them to form opinions and ask questions.
Ask Questions and Listen
Once an issue captures their interest, parents should ask open-ended questions and let teenagers lead the conversation. Expressing genuine curiosity about their views and creating a safe space where they feel heard and valued is crucial.
Encourage Healthy Disagreements
It is important to allow disagreements to occur, demonstrating that it is acceptable to have different opinions. This helps teenagers understand that political debate is a normal part of democratic life.
Don't Shut Down Discussions
Avoid dismissing their ideas, even if they seem flawed. Instead, tease out their reasoning and encourage them to explore their arguments further. Researching topics together can be more productive than immediately proving them wrong.
Use Age-Appropriate Resources
Resources like First News, a weekly newspaper for young people aged seven to 14, can be helpful. Additionally, many major news organisations have Instagram and TikTok accounts tailored to younger audiences, making news more accessible.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Teach teenagers to evaluate information critically by considering the source, bias, and accuracy. This skill is essential for navigating the modern media landscape and forming well-informed opinions.
Show Them How to Register to Vote
Many young people fail to vote because they are not registered. Sayers points out that registration is possible up to two years before reaching voting age and takes only five minutes. Ensuring they know this can prevent them from missing out on elections.
Ask How They Have Already Created Positive Change
To counter feelings of powerlessness, ask teenagers to recall times when they did something because it was the right thing to do, such as helping a friend or standing up for someone. This can help them realise they already have the ability to make a positive impact.
Give Them Opportunities to Lead
Allowing teenagers to take charge in non-political situations, such as planning a day out, can build confidence and a sense of agency. This empowerment can translate into greater political engagement.
