Astelina, age 16, points out clash with voting age and social media ban

What issue do you most care about?

Political education

‍

Why is this important to you, and possibly to other young people?

The age of voting is being reduced to school leaver, and with the now social media ban removing students’ ability to participate in social media before the age of 16 I worry their media literacy and critical thinking skills, and broad exposure to political topics will decrease leading to potentially misinformed voters.

‍

What changes would you like to see?

PSHE and political education being treated as a serious subject with a national curriculum and set standards. Potentially even a political literacy qualification.

‍

How can young people be a part of bringing about these changes?

Youth advisory boards, NUSS and NUS join campaigning, reaching out to Students’ Unions from local colleges and sixth forms.