The Rise of Youth Councils and Parliaments: A Pathway to Political Empowerment

By Jacob Barnsley

Young people have long been on the periphery of the political process, with decisions being made without their input or consideration. However, in recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of youth councils and parliaments, providing young people with a platform to voice their concerns and opinions. These councils and parliaments have been pioneers in cultivating a drop in the average age of a politician, and in this article, I will strive to identify their effect on the political landscape since their introduction.

Youth councils and parliaments have been in existence for several decades, with their roots dating back to the 1960s when young people were seeking a way to make their voices heard. The councils and parliaments were established as a way to provide young people with a platform to express their opinions on issues affecting their communities. Over the years, these councils and parliaments have grown in number and importance, becoming a crucial tool for young people to get involved in politics and make a difference.

The impact of youth councils and parliaments cannot be overstated. They have been instrumental in raising awareness of issues affecting young people, including mental health, education, employment, and housing. There are countless examples of their vast effectiveness. One example of a successful youth council is the Camden Youth Council in London, which was founded in 2010 and has been instrumental in advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit young people in the borough. For instance, the council played a key role in establishing a new youth centre and developing a youth-led mental health campaign.

Another example is the Scottish Youth Parliament, which was established in 1999 and provides a platform for young people to voice their opinions on issues affecting their communities. The parliament has successfully lobbied for a range of policies, including free bus travel for under-25s and the inclusion of LGBT+ issues in the Scottish school curriculum. These examples demonstrate the important role that youth councils and parliaments can play in shaping political discourse and advancing policies that benefit young people.

Through these councils and parliaments, young people have been able to participate in decision-making processes, offer solutions, and hold elected officials accountable. This has empowered young people to take ownership of their communities and become active citizens.

According to recent studies, the number of young people engaging in local politics has significantly increased in the past decade. In the UK, for example, the number of young people who voted in the 2019 general election increased by 10% compared to the 2017 election, with over two-thirds of those aged 18-24 casting their ballot. Since their introduction. Youth councils and parliaments have become increasingly popular, with over 500 local youth councils now operating across the UK.

This rise in youth engagement in politics has also led to a noticeable drop in the average age of politicians, with a number of councils and parliaments electing young people to positions of power. And in some areas, young people have even been appointed as deputy mayors or chairs of council committees, highlighting the growing influence of youth voices in local decision-making processes.

Getting involved in a youth council or parliament is relatively easy. Young people can attend meetings, voice their concerns to elected officials, and participate in local elections. They can also join local youth councils and committees to work on projects and initiatives that address community needs. Participation in these councils and parliaments provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills, build networks, and gain valuable experience in the political process

It would be an injustice to Democracy not to encourage the growth of Youth Parliaments and councils, and ensure that each major demographic is represented at the local stage and even the national stage. The future of politics is in the hands of young people. And Youth Councils may well be the key to a brighter future.