The UK is about to make history. For the first time, 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in all elections, starting with the next general election. It’s a significant change that acknowledges something important: young people work, pay taxes and can serve in the military. They should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
But there’s a problem we need to address. Young people don’t all have access to the information and guidance they need to be confident voters.
Young people are political
At the recent launch of the Roadmap to Votes at 16 at Parliament, young representatives from organisations across the UK didn’t just show up to listen – they actively participated, debated recommendations and presented their own priorities.
The stereotype of apathetic young people doesn’t match reality. Many are eager to engage with politics but face real barriers: confusing information, unclear processes and most importantly, a lack of confidence in their ability to make informed decisions about a range of local, national and international issues.
The information problem
We’re drowning in information, yet many young people feel less informed than ever. Research shows students struggle to identify reliable news. Teachers also don’t feel prepared to bring sensitive and complex issues into the classroom. Only 1% of teachers feel fully-equipped to teach political and media literacy.
The result is predictable: many people simply tune out, overwhelmed by competing voices and conflicting claims. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds face additional barriers, with fewer opportunities for democratic education compared to those in private schools.
The three Cs
As well as building confidence in how to vote and understanding of our democratic processes, it’s just as important to build confidence in the opinions that guide your voting choices. This confidence can come from developing three Cs:
- Critical thinking – young people need tools to evaluate information and distinguish credible sources from misleading content. However, they also need to assess a variety of perspectives and weigh-up complex options and solutions to topics that don’t have clear answers.
- Curiosity – in order to understand the world around us and make informed decisions, we need to explore a broad spectrum of local, national and international topics. Just as important is exposure to different perspectives, especially in a digital world which feeds us viewpoints similar to our own. Democracy requires engaging with diverse viewpoints across many issues, which means actively seeking out ideas that might challenge your existing beliefs.
- Communication skills – young people need safe environments where they can test their thinking, ask difficult questions and develop their opinions through respectful dialogue without fear of judgment.
Current affairs education in schools
Schools are the best place to develop these three Cs and high-quality current affairs education is the way to do it. The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report acknowledges that rapid social and technological change requires curricula that include “a renewed focus on digital and media literacy.” Young people and parents are asking for more practical skills – including “financial education, careers knowledge and politics and governance.”
The demand exists, but delivery is inconsistent. Many schools lack the resources, training or dedicated time needed to provide meaningful democratic education. When young people receive structured current affairs education, the results are measurable.
Students who regularly discuss current events show significantly greater progress in creative problem-solving and communication skills that are crucial for effective democratic engagement (2024 Impact Report, The Economist Educational Foundation). If young people feel more informed about political issues they are also more likely to plan to vote than peers who feel uninformed (78% compared to 36%, 2024 Young Citizens Survey).
Read our policy position on making current affairs education compulsory and how to implement it.