16 and 17 year old getting the vote.

[Pixxie7]

Is it me or is the idea of 16 and 17 year olds worrying. Where does it lead and are we destroying their childhood. Whilst I appreciate there a few who understand the implications of a vote many do not.

I don't mind admitting that at the age of 16 I, and most others in my year, had very little idea about politics. Realistically most of us would have just voted the same way as our parents. Experience of living and working independently, meeting a variety of people, etc. does give a wider outlook IMO and more 18-year-olds are closer to this than 16-year-olds. At 16 many are idealistic but unrealistic. MN will of course bring proudly-presented examples of über-engaged and politically aware children, but most GCSE students are not Greta Thunberg. If my class at that age had a vote, they'd probably have decided to have heavy metal played in school at all times, free alcohol for 16 year olds, etc.

People may want to see 16-17 year olds voting because they think their own views would get more support, e.g. on the EU or Scottish independence. Would they feel the same way, though, if young people mostly supported opposing views?

As previously said we already allowed it with the Scottish referendum and about 80% did so.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/scottish-independence/scottish-referendum-results-huge-turnout-bolsters-case-for-voting-at-16-9745081.html

I disagree. They would still be mostly influenced by their parents or even worse - social media.

Scotland lowered the age for the referendum vote because they knew they would get the votes, all these young people watching bloody braveheart and being true Scots

It's a shame the majority didn't know jack shit about politics.

I think it is a terrible idea, and so do my late teen/early twenties DD's.

16/17 year olds can obviously be very intelligent and well informed, they can also be completely set in their opinions, bolshy, and have no life experience. They are unlikely to be supporting themselves, or paying tax, and in the main don't live independent lives.

At 16 you can marry, get a job, have kids, rent a house, join the army (and die for your country); but you can’t vote or drink. It’s a stupid set of rules. How is voting more of an adult commitment having a baby or marriage?

Many posters citing the above. However, you can't die for your country. You can marry and have kids, but would that be considered a good decision? You can't rent a house without a guarantor or support from a parent.

Shamima Begum is a great example of double standards. So many people citing her youth and inexperience, and lack of understanding of what she was doing. She was 15/16 in Year 11, and potentially therefore eligible to vote in that year.

The vote at 16 I agree with, but without any change to other age restrictions or parental responsibilities.