With an election looming, we asked young people how they are feeling about politicians, elections and their mental health. Many young people will be voting for the first time this election and all of them will have experienced a pandemic and three Prime Ministers since the 2019 election. It is the first opportunity for them to have their voices heard in a world that has changed hugely over the last few years.
Take a look at our key findings below, or read the full report.
Key findings
1. Young people see the value in voting
Most young people told us they believe voting is important and are hopeful about the General Election.
- 48%
- of young people we surveyed will be voting for the first time this election.
- 80%
- believe voting is important to influence the issues that most affect them.
- 63%
- think the issues young people care about will be part of the upcoming General Election campaign.
2. Young people feel disconnected from politics
Young people seem to feel disconnected to politics and not heard by politicians.
3. Young people don't think politicians care about their mental health
Mental health is a big concern for young people, but most don’t think the main political parties care about it.
- 64%
- of those who don’t think politicians listen to young people said not being listened to negatively impacts their mental health.
- 56%
- are hopeful the parties which might win the General Election will make positive changes for young people’s mental health.
- 43%
- think the main political parties care about young people’s mental health.
4. Young people are taking action
Young people are engaged in taking action in support of issues that matter to them.
4. Young women feel less connected and less heard
Young women seem to be consistently less hopeful and feel less connected to politics and politicians.
- 39%
- of young women think the main political parties running for the next election care about young people’s mental health compared with 47% of young men.
- 65%
- of young women think politicians don’t listen to young people compared to just over half of young men (55%).
- 76%
- of young women who don’t think politicians listen to young people said not being listened to makes them feel powerless compared to 64% of young men.
