Talking Point - How can young people be encouraged to engage with politics?

Turnout among young people at the next general election will be appallingly low, according to the latest figures from the Hansard Society.

The political research charity's sixth Audit of Political Engagement found that just a quarter of 18- to 24-year-olds plan to vote at the next general election. But while this appears to show considerable disillusionment with the democratic process, the Hansard Society says it would be wrong to say young people are apathetic.

A survey carried out by the charity last year found 18- to 24-year-olds were far more likely than other age groups to want to know about how Parliament works. Translating this interest into actual voting is often marred by a lack of understanding of how the democratic process impacts on young people's lives.

The Hansard Society recommends that youth workers looking to discuss political engagement should avoid using the word "politics" at all. Instead, they should stick to issues such as the environment, unemployment and local concerns.

What would young people do if they were in power? It is also worth asking them what they can do as young citizens. How easy is it to start a campaign? How would they contact politicians?

The Hansard Society has set up an online forum called HeadsUp for young people to discuss topical issues and communicate directly with politicians. The charity recommends youth workers set up their own version or create an issues section on an existing website. This should allow young people to communicate with local politicians. You could ask them to draw up a list of questions for a local MP and publish the answers online.

Inviting politicians to visit a youth club is another idea the Hansard Society recommends. Young people should ensure that they, rather than the politician, dictate the topics discussed. What questions should the politician answer? How can politicians help a specific local campaign? How can young people make sure the politician gives worthwhile comment?

Consider showing YouTube clips of how politicians perform when being questioned by the media and the general public. Margaret Thatcher's 1982 encounter on the BBC show Nationwide with viewer Diana Gould is a good example of how even the most senior politicians can be rattled by determined questioning.

The Electoral Commission also offers resources for youth workers on its www.dopolitics.org.uk website. This features a pack called the Democracy Cookbook, with activity ideas for youth workers such as a "build your own politician" session, where young people consider the attributes a politician should have.