Schools across the Island took part in the Make Your Mark initiative last week as part of a youth engagement activity happening across all the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

This initiative from the House of Commons Speaker’s Office was run during UK Parliament Week and invited 11- to 18-year-olds students to vote on ten topics, selecting the one they cared about the most:

1. Education and Learning

2. The world we live in

3. Health and wellbeing

4. Rights, Equalities and Democracy

5. Jobs, the Economy and benefits

6. Crime and safety

7. Culture, media and sport

8. Climate change and the environment

9. Transport

10. Youth Work and young people’s services

Over 1900 students from across the Island took part and their combined vote resulted in “Jobs, the Economy and benefits” being the topic of most concern. This will be the topic of debate in a special segment in the UK Youth Parliament in March 2025 where a representative from the Isle of Man will debate on the floor of the House of Commons.

As a Crown Dependency the history of the Isle of Man is bound with that of the United Kingdom. This is an opportunity to share the history of our Island and our parliament showcasing the journey from possession to independence, teaching the importance of Tynwald and our relationship with the UK as a Crown Dependency.

Hon Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

“Learning the importance of having a vote is essential to encourage early political engagement and I am happy that over 1900 students took the opportunity to vote and Make Their Mark. The chance to find out from so many students what they care about, is an opportunity for Tynwald Members to learn and recognise the issues most important to young people.

The decision to lower the voting age to 16 in the Isle of Man was a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy. My hope is that this new initiative will engage future voters and potential parliamentarians who can bring fresh perspectives and enrich our democratic processes.

We are proud that all the Island’s state secondary schools were able to take part in the Make Your Mark campaign. We want young people to feel empowered and have a say in decisions that affect their future. Our teachers play a pivotal role by instilling in students the confidence to voice their opinions and providing opportunities where they can actively participate in citizenship activities that will be repeated throughout their lives.”

To illustrate the impact of Make Your Mark and taking part in a ballot, the results from all votes cast will be shared across participating schools. The results will also be shared with the new Tynwald Youth Select Committee, which will be deciding on its next topic of inquiry shortly.

The youth representative for the Isle of Man to attend the UK Youth Parliament will be selected through an open application process launching in December 2024 or January 2025.

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For further information contact:

Office of the Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
enquiries@tynwald.org.im