New voice for Jersey teenagers

Friday 24 April 2015

The Island’s teenagers will be having more of a say about issues that matter to them.

The Jersey Youth Parliament has been launched to get more young people engaged with politics and its founders hope it will help influence change in the Island.

The Parliament will operate just like the States with members aged between 16 and 18 democratically elected by their peers but will also include a party system.

It’s being spearheaded by Jersey College for Girls sixth form student Amy Vatcher.

She said: “The Youth Parliament will provide young people with a chance to have a voice, and to hopefully implement sensible change that the youth would like to see, which I think is essential, considering we have the vote at the age of 16.

“Each party will be voted in through promotional representation. Young people will be able to vote for their preferred party, allowing parties to win seats. We are using an online platform for the voting system as we believe that this is the easiest and most accessible way to engage young people.”

Amy said they hope to address issues such as the mental health facilities in Jersey, student loans, environmental policies and equality - gender, race and sexuality and that they hope to have a good relationship with States members so that they can influence changes in the Island.

She said: “We plan to get our voices heard through the close links we will form with the politicans. There will be regular meetings to talk to them about various issues, and there will be opportunities to ask ministers questions during debates. Already, the ministers have allowed us to discuss the new strategic plan with them, which shows a good link and willingness to cooperate already! 

The new Parliament should be in full session from September.