UK Elections Watchdog Calls for Democratic Education in Schools

Strategic Insights -

To prepare for votes at 16 and 17, democratic education will be rolled out in UK schools, starting at age 11, to teach children about the principles of democracy and critical thinking. The Electoral Commission, the UK's election watchdog, is preparing material for schools to help with this education, which aims to make students impartial and informed voters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Electoral Commission is launching a program to give democracy lessons to children from age 11, to help prepare them for votes at 16 and 17.
  • The program will provide schools with material to teach children about the principles of democracy, critical thinking, and how to evaluate online information critically.
  • Teachers will need to be trained to leave their personal views and biases at the door and provide impartial education.
  • A poll of 6,000 teachers found that over 80% do not think the current national curriculum prepares children enough to vote at age 16.
  • The program aims to address concerns about leftwing prejudice and anti-Reform bias in the education system, as identified by Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform.
  • The Electoral Commission has been calling for the closure of loopholes to stop foreign money entering politics since 2013, welcoming the government's recent election reform package.

Statistics:

  • 6,000 teachers were polled by Teacher Tapp, with over 80% stating that the national curriculum does not prepare children enough to vote at age 16.
  • About half of 16- and 17-year-olds said they do not feel adequately well-informed to vote.
  • The Electoral Commission has been calling for the closure of loopholes to stop foreign money entering politics since 2013.
  • The government's election reform package includes tightening rules on political funding, cracking down on abuse of candidates, and increasing fines for breaking the rules.
  • Over 80% of teachers regard the national curriculum as not preparing children enough to participate in democratic processes and exercise their right to vote at 16.

Sources:

  • Rowena Mason, Whitehall editor, "Schools will need to give democracy lessons to children from age 11 to prepare for votes at 16" (The Guardian)
  • Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, interviewed by Rowena Mason (The Guardian)
  • Teacher Tapp, "A poll of 6,000 teachers"