Young people are speaking up on some of the biggest issues shaping our society, from climate change and housing to equality and social justice. But when it comes to formal politics and decision-making, are young people's voices really being heard?

In this episode of Open Conversations, Dr Karen Bowen is joined by Dr Donna Smith, a researcher in political engagement and citizenship, and postgraduate researcher Helen Stonelake to explore youth voice, activism, citizenship and representation.

Together, they discuss how young people are engaging with politics and civic life, why traditional political systems can leave them feeling excluded, and the growing role of social media, campaigning and issue-based activism. They also explore barriers to political participation, political education, voting at 16 and what institutions can do to give young people a meaningful voice rather than simply a seat at the table.

What needs to change to ensure young people aren't just seen as citizens of the future, but as citizens with the power to make change today?

🎓 OU Modules and Qualifications:
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207):
https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules/ke207/

Global challenges: social science in action (DD113):
https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules/d113/

📚 Resources:
The OpenLearn free short course ‘An introduction to making political and social change’:
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/introduction-making-political-and-social-change/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab

The Changemakers website – for young people living in Wales who want to make change in Wales, the UK and globally:
English: https://changemakers.wales/en/
Welsh: https://changemakers.wales/en/

PolicyWISE ‘Wise in Five’ briefing on whether the voting age should be lowered to 16:
https://www.policywise.org.uk/sites/www.policywise.org.uk/files/Wise_In_Five_voting%20age_2.pdf

Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers and campaigners. This toolkit provides practical insights for policymakers and campaigners on methods to engage disengaged groups:
https://fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.open.ac.uk/files/files/politics/Engaging-the-disengaged-V8.pdf

Changemakers project page:
https://fass.open.ac.uk/research/projects/changemakers

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Why Youth Voice Matters
01:33 How Young People Engage With Politics
04:37 Youth Activism and Social Media
07:53 What Stops Young People Getting Involved?
09:18 Young People in Politics
11:31 When Youth Voice Becomes Tokenistic
12:35 How to Include Young People Meaningfully
14:08 Barriers to Political Participation
16:05 Young People as Citizens Today
18:20 Whose Voices Actually Get Heard?
20:33 Should Politics Be Taught in Schools?
22:25 Youth Representation in the UK
24:01 How Institutions Can Empower Young People
26:16 What Gives Us Hope for the Future?