How can young people learn about the general election? - April 20, 2010

Get 11-18 year olds discussing their opinions on the policies, politicians and parties in the 2010 general election. Monday 26 April - Friday 14 May www.headsup.org.uk

The next online HeadsUp forum for 11-18 year-olds will be focusing on the forthcoming general election. Although under 18's don't get to vote, HeadsUp.org.uk provides a platform for them to participate, allowing them to consider the debates and form opinions during and after the election. Themes up for debate include:

• Who would you vote for? - Which party do you think has the best policies? Which party appeals to you?
• Do political parties speak to young people? - How do you want politicians to communicate? What would political parties have to do to get your attention?
• Why do so few young people vote? - Do you think it's a problem that so few young people vote? Do young people care about politics?
• My big issue - what's the big issue of the election for you? What issue would you like the parties to focus more on?

So far the following politicians are taking part - with more to be confirmed:

• David Blunkett (MP for Sheffield Brightside since 1987 & current Labour candidate)
• Philip Davies (MP for Shipley since 2005 & current Conservative candidate)
• Clare Short (Former Labour and Independent MP for Birmingham Ladywood)
• David Kidney (MP for Stafford since 1997 & current Labour candidate)
• Linda Gilroy (MP for Plymouth Sutton since 1997 & current Labour candidate)

HeadsUp is an online debating space for 11-18 year-olds, run by the independent and non-partisan Hansard Society, to enable young people to discuss their views on political issues with their peers and influential decision-makers. It aims to build levels of political awareness and participation so that young people can play an effective role in the democratic processes affecting their lives. HeadsUp is also a space that politicians and political parties can use to consult with young people and find out their ideas, experiences and opinions.

For more information please contact Kate Egglestone, k.egglestone@hansard.lse.ac.uk or 020 7438 1210

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp (http://www.headsup.org.uk/content/) is an innovative website where 11-18s debate political issues and learn about the political process. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.
• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

1. Young People - If you are 11-18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.
2. Teachers/youth workers - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to be viewed and the debate followed by the public. Participants need to register or login to post comments (11-18s and supporting teachers/youth workers only).
• The project is part-funded by the House of Commons.
• There are 868 schools registered on HeadsUp.