Caerphilly by-election: Young people feel confused as vote looms

The Welsh government said: “Supporting learners to exercise their democratic rights is a mandatory part of the curriculum.

“In the lead-up to the Senedd elections in May 2026 and local government elections in 2027, we will continue to fund organisations to deliver projects that aim to increase the availability and quality of democratic education in schools.”

The students described turning to social media for information – something they admitted could be dangerous.

“I see things on social media that make me believe they’re true, and then I speak to someone and find out they’re not,” said Sion.

“It’s really difficult.

“We kind of live in an era, I don’t want to say of fake news, but like there’s a lot of information that’s spread around that isn’t right from radical media.”

Lily says the rise of Artificial Intelligence has made the situation more complex, adding: “It’s really hard to find out what’s true or not.”

Seren is concerned some people may not see young voters as serious.

“When political parties start hopping on TikTok trends, it’s clear they’re trying to reach young voters… but in weird ways,” she says.

“Just because we’re younger, that doesn’t make us any less serious.

“At the end of the day, everyone’s vote is equal.”