Pupils need encouragement to engage in Jersey politics

The voting age was lowered in July 2007 to include 16 and 17-year-olds

Pupils in Jersey should be actively encouraged to participate in politics, a deputy has said.

Roy Le Herissier is chairing a scrutiny panel which is looking at how politics should be taught in island schools.

The aim is to address the lack of political education currently in Jersey's curriculum.

Mr Le Herissier said the voting age was lowered to 16 in Jersey three years ago and it was essential young people engaged in political discussion.

The scrutiny panel said it believed children would benefit from an early introduction to the criminal justice system and how laws were made in Jersey.

Islanders are being asked how they think politics should be included in schools and the deadline for submissions is 15 March.