Are young people allergic to politics?

The Youth Citizenship Commission and HeadsUp

Under-18s debate online 17 November - 5 December at www.headsup.org.uk

The Youth Citizenship Commission has chosen the Hansard Society's online forum - HeadsUp

- as the ideal place to consult directly with young people. The Commission has been set up by the Prime Minister to look at what British citizenship means to young people and how central government can better engage with them as citizens. It will report its findings back to the PM taking young people's views right to the top of Government.

The HeadsUp forum Are young people allergic to politics? runs from 17 November - 5 December, 2008 at www.headsup.org.uk. The forum will look at:

• What citizenship and politics means to young people

• How young people are involved in their communities

• Whether votes at 16 is a good idea

HeadsUp offers the chance for 11-18 year olds to share their views on political issues with key decision makers and other young people in a safe and constructive environment. It's an opportunity for young people to tell politicians what they think, as well as developing political literacy and creative thinking skills. Commissioners from the Youth Citizenship Commission will be taking part, including:

• Professor Jonathan Tonge (Chair of the Youth Citizenship Commission)

• Miranda Sawyer (Journalist & Writer)

• Justin Cole (Young Mayor for Lewisham)

Beccy Allen, HeadsUp Manager, commented: ‘The Youth Citizenship Commission was set up to examine ways of developing young people's understanding of citizenship and increase their participation in politics. We're delighted to host this online debate at HeadsUp as it gives the young people the opportunity to have their voices heard where it matters - right at the heart of government.'

For more information contact Kate Egglestone at the Hansard Society on 0207 438 1210

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp (http://www.headsup.org.uk/) is an innovative website where under-18s debate political issues and processes. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.
• HeadsUp has a number of new features for 2008/09 including a Top Poster Award where the HeadsUp user judged to have the greatest impact on the forum can win a prize of £25 worth of gift vouchers from a range of high street and online shops.
• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

1.  Young People - If you are under 18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.
2.  Teachers/youth workers/youth group - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to view and follow the debate. Participants need to register or login to post comments.
• The project is jointly funded by the Ministry of Justice (former DCA) and the House of Commons.
• At the end of the debate, a summary report detailing young people's contributions will be distributed to relevant government ministers, MPs, AMs, MEPS, MSPs and selected all-party groups in Parliament.
• 4785 individuals are currently registered with HeadsUp.