Children's Commissioner: Half of Teenagers Uncertain About Voting in General Election

The Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has launched her final large-scale national survey to understand what it is like to grow up in England today. New polling released alongside the survey reveals significant political disengagement among teenagers, with half of 13 to 17-year-olds uncertain about which party to support or whether they will participate in the next general election at all. The findings, published the morning after local elections, paint a concerning picture of youth anxiety and democratic uncertainty. As these young people approach voting age, their lack of political alignment and worry about the future raises important questions for local leaders about how to engage young people in democratic processes and address their concerns. The survey represents a crucial opportunity for local government to listen to youth voice and understand the challenges facing the next generation of voters. For Lead Members with responsibility for youth services and democratic engagement, these insights underscore the importance of investing in civic education and youth participation strategies that connect young people with the decisions that will shape their futures.