Some people are more likely than others to take part in democratic activities such as voting, signing an e-petition, or trying to influence political decision-making. Those less likely to participate include women, people from lower socio-economic groups, young people and the less educated [1].
Some young people are engaged in politics - some are involved with local community groups and initiatives – while some young people feel that party politics and Parliament are not relevant to them, the biggest barrier being a lack of knowledge about political and parliamentary processes.
In 2015, eighteen to twenty-four-year-olds were less likely to vote than other age groups; the Digital Democracy Commission (DDC) and the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee share concerns for turnout with consequent implications for democracy in the UK if a generation of young people continue not to vote [2].
Young people are interested in political issues that affect their lives. The DDC outline how the use of video and bite-sized content help to make information about Parliament and political issues more accessible with co-constructed communication channels with young citizens who are seen as an un-homogenous, deferential and critical group – rather than dutiful - whose respect and trust needs to be earned [2].
There is a potential to strengthen links between Parliament’s day-to-day activities and some of its engagement work through competitions such as Lights, Camera, Parliament! Reinforcing a positive message that Parliament is relevant to young people and their opinions are valued.
[1] Stoker, G., Hay, C., Hansard Society. (2016). Anti-Politics: Characterising and Accounting for Political Disaffection, 2011-2012. [data collection]. UK Data Service. SN: 7855, DOI: http://doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-7855-1
[2] DDC (2015). Open Up! Report of the Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy. Available at: https://digitaldemocracy.parliament.uk/documents/Open-Up-Digital-Democracy-Report.pdf (Accessed: 26 January 2015).