Why do young people feel disillusioned with politics?
The most recent HeadsUp general election forum report highlights why young people feel disillusionment and exclusion from our political system. To read the full report click here.
Young people that took part in the HeadsUp debate, held between 26 April and 14 May, had different political priorities than most adults. It was clear they felt that these differences meant that their interests were not represented as well as those of adults. They also felt that because they were not able to vote this put them off getting involved in politics as they were unable to effect change:
children arent usually interested in something they cant take part in or do.I mean talking about it on this site [HeadsUp] is real cool and having mock elections in school is cool too but... That is all we can do untill we get to the age of 18 and by then... we might loose interest all together and not bother to vote!
I think political parties don't really care about under because they cant vote and if they cant vote the politics dont really care about what they say.
Debates about what is the correct age to start voting are likley to continue for some time but the message that should go out to MPs is that to avoid disengaging their younger constituents from politics altogether they must talk to them, listen to them and find new ways to connect with this politically passionate, but sometimes, cynical generation.