Politics can be a difficult subject to talk about in classrooms, but it affects young people in a multitude of ways. It’s important, then, that they understand how the democratic process works and the role they can play.

Research carried out since 16- and 17-year-olds in Scotland were able to vote for the first time has shown that young people who discuss elections in school are more confident about taking part and having their say. We also know that encouraging young people to think about how to make their voice heard can help them to become engaged voters and citizens for years to come.

An estimated 114,000 16- and 17-year-olds will be eligible to vote for the first time in the Scottish elections next week. As with all polls, we are encouraging young people to get involved, get informed and use their vote.

To help you discuss elections and voting with young people at any time, here are five top tips:

1. Politics is everywhere

Begin by drawing young people’s attention to the everyday impact of politics on their lives. For example, how long they stay in education, what sports facilities are in their area, 5G availability and environmental policy.

• A teacher’s view: When a student votes, you know you’ve had an impact
• Social media: How I use Instagram to get students into politics
• Politics and elections: How do you teach politics when your students are voters?
• Debate: What would lowering the voting age mean for schools in England?
• Background: When Scotland gave the vote to 16-year-olds

2. Respect

Establish ground rules for discussion to encourage the sharing of ideas. Conflict can be avoided by reminding students that they don’t have to agree with each other, but they do have to be respectful of each other’s opinions. It might be useful to attach a list of agreed ground rules to the wall so that they are visible throughout the session.

3. Impartiality

Aim to facilitate discussion that allows young people to arrive at opinions on their own. Giving out roles such as “debate chair”, “devil’s advocate” or holding school councillor elections can help to balance discussion around different issues.

4. Accuracy

Discuss the risks of misinformation in political campaigning and encourage critical thinking about the information they see. Ensure that the information shared in the classroom is accurate by using reputable and impartial sources for information, such as the Electoral Commission, for election rules.

5 How to make your mark

Elections in Scotland use different voting systems at different elections. Boost confidence by explaining what first-time voters can expect on polling day at different elections, as well as their options to vote by post, by proxy or in person.

To help teachers navigate discussions about elections and voting in the classroom, the Electoral Commission has produced a range of democratic education resources. These are free and available on the commission’s website here.

The commission is politically impartial and independent, so teachers can feel confident that resources will provide accurate information and help create a neutral environment for the crucial matter of discussing voting and elections.

Craig Westwood, director of communications, policy and research at the Electoral Commission