Growing up means that you are becoming more aware of social problems in your country, helping you to develop your voice and view on political topics. However, if you’re under 18, you are unable to vote – so how else can you use your voice?
“The ability to connect with people from all over the world, all from different cultures and backgrounds, will help you see the world in a bigger picture.”
1. Micro-blogging:
We spend a lot of time looking through social media each day – so why not use it our advantage? You can project your views through micro-blogging on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and even Snapchat.
The ability to connect with people from all over the world, all from different cultures and backgrounds, will help you see the world in a bigger picture. You may find that people from different countries even share the same views as you!
2. Petitions:
Over the past few weeks, it has been proven how powerful people’s signatures can be when it comes to government decisions in the UK. Last week, the British government were forced to make a U-turn on their strategy of allocating GCSE and A Level grades to students who were unable to sit their exams due to the pandemic. There was an outcry from students all across the country, hoping to get the government to change their minds.
One large tactic made by students, was a petition that was signed by over 30,000 people!
The large amount of support for the petition, which was shared all across many different social media platforms – resulted in a positive response from the government. Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, announced on the 17th of August – two days before GCSE results were set to be released – that students would be awarded either their centre assessment grade (teacher predictions) or their calculated grade (depending on which one was higher) for both GCSE and A level students.
This led to many students receiving grades that properly represented students’ ability!
Information on the terms for changes to GCSE / A Level results can be explained in more detail here.
3. Political societies/clubs in sixth form, college or university:
“By hearing other people’s views, it may even help you develop your own more.”
When moving to or starting at a new school, college or university, you will come across people from different cultures, races, and backgrounds – all with their own stories and views. You may make friends with people this way by finding out that you share the same beliefs in politics.
By joining this type of club in your area, you are presenting yourself as passionate about the social problems in your country. By hearing other people’s views, it may even help you develop your own more.
4. Contact your local MP:
Your MP is a Member of Parliament which stands for your constituency (area/community) and whose job it is to represent your community when it comes to parliamentary decisions.
It is your right to contact your MP if you have any questions about issues that is being dealt with by them, in your community or if you have any concerns about parliamentary votes which they have taken part in.
Need help finding who your MP is? Find out here.
5. Register to vote early:
In the UK, you cannot vote in a parliamentary or local election until you turn 18 years old. However, you can register to vote at 16, so you are prepared when a general election or local election in your area takes place!
If you are from Scotland or Wales you can register to vote at the age of 14.
Register to vote here.
Annaleece Longmore
Featured image courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash.
Annaleece Longmore
Annaleece is an 19 year-old student journalist in her second year at the University of Sheffield, studying Journalism Studies. You can find her on Twitter at @JournoAnnaleece.