Are Welsh Teens Ignorant of Their Own Politicians? Shocking Survey Reveals Disturbing Trends

In a startling survey conducted among secondary school pupils in Wales, only 8% could identify First Minister Eluned Morgan, highlighting a significant disconnect between young voters and their political leaders. The findings indicate that fewer than half of the students recognized the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Students from Birchgrove Comprehensive in Swansea expressed surprise at their lack of familiarity with Morgan, with 15-year-old Thomas admitting, “I’ve never seen that lady in my life.”

One pupil, Jackson, noted that many of his peers are more aware of English politics due to its perceived mainstream significance, stating that the 20mph rule was the first instance many recognized Wales could enact its own policies. He also mentioned that his main source of news is through social media, platforms like TikTok and Instagram, since traditional news outlets are less engaging for the younger demographic.

Lottie, another student, described the situation as troubling; she emphasized the importance of political recognition when students turn 16 and can legally vote. Carol Taylor, a teacher at Birchgrove, echoed these concerns, expressing a commitment to educate her students about the upcoming council elections, as many are unaware of the electoral process due to their parents’ disengagement from voting themselves.

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, criticized the prevailing belief that politics should not be discussed openly, arguing that this attitude hampers children’s understanding of their democratic rights. Cifuentes called for political parties to engage better with young people as the next Senedd election approaches, stressing that the media must also take responsibility by providing relevant political information tailored to Welsh youth.

Richard Wyn Jones from the Wales Governance Centre pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the education of children about politics at a critical time, branding the 2021 elections a “false start.” He advocated for a shift in focus to instill political education early in schooling, rather than reserving it for the final years of education.

In response, the Welsh government has initiated projects to help young people actively participate in democracy, including direct interactions with elected officials. However, concerns remain over the effectiveness and reach of these programs, as a significant percentage of 16 and 17-year-olds reported limited discussions about voting in educational settings.