Youth conference gets young pupils thinking about politics (From Borehamwood Times)

Hertsmere youth conference gets Borehamwood pupils thinking about their rights

2:20pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in News By Kathryn Snowdon

X-Factor, Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity were used to get young people in Borehamwood thinking about their democratic rights and responsibilities.

Pupils participated in the sixth annual youth conference at Hertsmere Borough Council’s civic offices, in Elstree Way, on Thursday evening.

Around 60 pupils from around Hertsmere, aged between 11 and 16, took part in the interactive quiz and show ‘I’m in a democracy, get me out of here?’ performed by FLIP Theatre Workshop Ltd.

More than 50 per cent of students said they had voted for a contestant in a reality TV show and 58 per cent said they talked about local politics with their parents.

Yet just 26 per cent said they talked about local politics with their friends.

At the conference, students were also given the opportunity to quiz borough councillors during a ‘speed-dating’ style event, before voting for their favourite.

Councillor Morris Bright, leader of the council, said: "I was really encouraged by the level of enthusiasm and engagement among the young people."

He added: "They are the future of our borough and it is important they feel motivated to have their say, and know how to do that."