Commissioner calls for election campaign debates for children
Derren Hayes
Monday, June 10, 2024
The Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza has called on every party leader to hold a debate for children during the election campaign as latest polling shows more than half of young people think politicians don’t consider their views.
Dame Rachel says specific debates focused on the key issues for children are needed so that their views are taken into account by the party that goes on to form the next government.
She also wants party manifestos – which are being launched this week - to consider how policy pledges impact the lives of children, young people and families now and in the future.
“I want our future government, whoever it is, to give children every opportunity to represent their views in person: to parliamentary committees, at MP surgeries and through student voice councils,” Dame Rachel said in a blog post.
“With more than 1.4 million children missing at least 10% of school, one million children awaiting referral for mental health treatment and children as young as nine accessing harmful sexual material online, they deserve to be listened to more than ever.”
Rebecca, a children’s commissioner ambassador, said young people often feel at the bottom of politicians’ list of priorities. She said: “A party leader debate would allow young people’s opinions to be heard and prioritised but to also help young people keep politically informed so that they can make the right decision for themselves.”
The commissioner’s call comes as latest research by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) suggests many young people feel disillusioned with politicians.
The research shows that two thirds of young people had engaged in one or more political activity over the last three months, and 53% of those aged 18 or over said they were interested in UK politics – yet only four in 10 of those eligible to vote (40%) said they would be likely to cast their ballot at the next general election.
Some 53% of more than 3,000 14- to 24-year-olds who took part in the research “disagreed” or “strongly disagreed” that politicians in the UK listen to people their age, with 40% saying they believe politicians listen to 35-54 year olds the most.
Ruth Marvel, DofE chief executive, said: “This research confirms that, far from being apathetic or disengaged, young people are fiercely interested in their futures but feel disillusioned with our political system and the politicians who are elected to represent them. We urge all political parties to engage with young voters during this election campaign and take the action needed to give them the best possible chances in life.”
The DofE charity is also calling on policymakers to opt for a young person first approach to policy development, ensuring young people are consulted on decisions that affect them, and any potential implications for policy change acknowledged.
