Young people today are socially aware, politically engaged and full of practical ideas to make England the best place to grow up, but they tell me they feel like no-one is listening to them. In my Big Ambition survey just 22% of children told me they think politicians listen to them – earlier this year that number had dropped to 16%.
Lowering the voting age to 16 sends the message that their voices and ideas do matter. Now it needs to be backed by a solid commitment to reflect their views in policy decisions about every part of their lives, from their education to their housing to their future jobs – as well as helping them to understand and make the most of the privilege of being able to vote.
As Children’s Commissioner children tell me they want to be part of decisions about their futures, but they need the tools to help be part of the process. That means giving children brilliant lessons in citizenship and democracy, allowing them to learn through discussion and debate.
